Metrage crème-witte grove katoenen tule c. 1900

This cream-white coarse cotton tulle resides in the Rijksmuseum, crafted by Gustav Schnitzler. Observe its mesh-like structure, a pattern echoed throughout history in various forms. From the veils of ancient goddesses, symbolizing purity and mystery, to the protective nets used in fishing, securing sustenance from the depths, the grid motif carries layers of meaning. Consider how this seemingly simple pattern has been repeated through time. We see its echoes in the protective chainmail, the symbolic fishnets of the apostle Peter, and the delicate veils in Botticelli's paintings. This cultural memory can be seen as a psychological need to capture, to protect, to define. The emotional draw of a netting, to both capture and conceal, is a profound force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This humble piece of tulle, therefore, transcends its material nature, revealing a non-linear journey through time and culture, where the echoes of the past resonate in its very weave.