Spanish, Alpujarra - Lace Altar Frontal, about 1550-1600

Spanish, Alpujarra

Lace Altar Frontal with Eight-Petaled Blossoms and Carnations, about 1550-1600

Plain weave linen with drawnwork, 61 x 297.2 cm (24 x 117 in.)

Commentary

Although Gardner enjoyed selecting the laces in her collection herself, this large altar frontal was a birthday gift from her friend Dodge Macknight. In a letter accompanying the altar frontal, Macknight wrote “I would rather give it to you than sell it to anyone else.”