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FLOUNCING

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage


About this object

The lace industry in France was fostered by the crown, which was determined to keep in France the enormous revenues that were spent on foreign-made lace. Point de France, a distinctly French stitch and style, became its pride. Not surprisingly, this flounce, an outstanding example of French royal lace, is replete with allusions to the crown. The laureate figure in the center is probably Louis XIV personified as Apollo. Above him appear the sun and an eagle, the symbols of the Sun King. The figures in exotic dress and plumed headdresses may allude to the travels of explorer Cavelier de La Salle down the Mississippi River, when he claimed those territories for France.

Point de France lace intricate design is wrought in a number of varied stitches on a ground of minute brides picotées. The laureate figure in the center is probably Louis XIV himself personified as Apollo. Above him appear the sun and an eagle, also symbols of the Sun King. The figures in exotic dress and plumed headdresses representing Indians may allude to the travels of the French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle down the Mississippi River in 1681-82. Surmounting the figures is a canopy topped by a crown with fleurs-de-lis. Trees bearing military standarts or decorations of musical instruments alternate with the figural compositions. Round medallions with heads in profile - probably those of Louis XIV and Marie-Therese of Austria - interspersed with military elements and fleurs-de-lis decorate the top of the lace. At the bottom spiky structures reminiscent of garden pavillions are flanked by towerlike structures and more military emblems. A field of foliate scrolls fills the large hexagonal mesh. The scalloped edge, of rocaille scrolls and flower petals, show great variety.

Object name:
FLOUNCING
Made from:
Point de France lace
Made in:
Alençon, France
Date made:
ca. 1690
Size:
320 × 59.7 cm (126 × 23 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
45.3
Class:
TEXTILE
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973