Case
A lady might have carried or stored her personal letters in a folding case like this well-preserved example dating to the turn of the 19th century. The intricate embroidery and triple-fold construction sets this object apart from other similar objects in the Brooklyn Museum collection. The embroidered motifs, combined with the motto and the inclusion of the two women's names suggest that the case was a token of friendship given by one to the other, perhaps with the sentiment that letters between the two were also treasured keepsakes. The motifs themselves symbolize milestones of life the two might share in a lifelong friendship.
With its embroidered motto and motifs representing imagery of friendship and affection, this case probably was given as a token of friendship.
Very well preserved example of an accessory given as a token of friendship; imagery related to life circumstances that would be shared in a lifelong friendship
With its embroidered motto and motifs representing imagery of friendship and affection, this case probably was given as a token of friendship.
Very well preserved example of an accessory given as a token of friendship; imagery related to life circumstances that would be shared in a lifelong friendship
Artwork Details
- Title: Case
- Date: ca. 1800
- Culture: European
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Museum Collection Fund, 1932
- Object Number: 2009.300.1746
- 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.
ca. 1855
House of Dior (French, founded 1946)
spring/summer 1947
House of Balenciaga (French, founded 1937)
1951
Giorgio Armani (Italian, 1934–2025)
fall/winter 2002–3
Fortuny (Italian, founded 1906)
ca. 1930
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 contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.