Tussenzetsel van wit kant, tule met een rij moesjes, op karton c. 1920

Here’s a length of white lace by Gustav Schnitzler, mounted on cardboard, housed at the Rijksmuseum. I think of Schnitzler working away, teasing out these delicate patterns and thinking through the form and feeling of the piece. The lace itself is so intricate. I can imagine Schnitzler with his tools, looping and knotting, building up this subtle architecture. It’s like drawing in thin air, creating something solid and beautiful from almost nothing. It makes me think about the tradition of women making lace, the time and care involved, the way they poured their creativity into these small, functional objects. And the tiny dots are so playful, like little musical notes dancing across the surface. It’s fascinating how Schnitzler has taken something so ephemeral and made it so present. It really makes me appreciate the skill and the artistry of craft.