Handkerchief
The level of embroidery detail on this handkerchief is extraordinary. The workmanship is of a type commonly done by convent nuns. Each scene has a common theme of love and romance from mythology, including Narcissus gazing at his reflection in the water, and Cupid holding his arrow. The imagery is particularly charming for a man's accessory and reflects on the aristocratic status of the owner.
Artwork Details
- Title: Handkerchief
- Date: second half 19th century
- Culture: French
- Medium: linen
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Peters, 1928
- Object Number: 2009.300.1097
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
French
late 19th century
French
1824
French
1804–5
Maison Léoty
1891
House of Worth
Charles Frederick Worth
ca. 1872
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.