The Lacemakers Serenade by Antonio Ermolao Paoletti

Antonio Ermolao Paoletti Italian, 1834-1912

A Serenade for the Venitian Lacemakers

Signed and inscribed Antonio Paoletti di Giov / Venezia (ll)

Oil on cradled panel

This fabulous oil painting by Paoletti focuses on a a group of three women making bobbin lace in the traditional manor, utilizing a pillow, thread, a multitude of pins, and dozens of bobbins; plaiting and twisting the many threads intertwining them to create lace's its intricate patterns. A painting with a focal point on lacemaking is unusual and delightfully rare, as the act of lacemaking is an often forgotten fiber art which has only recently in the 2020's has begun to receive the praise it deserves, for being one of the most labor intensive art forms bringing forth exquisite pieces. 

Frame dimensions: 13 1/4 x 19 1/4 inches

Unframed: 11 x 17 inches (28 x 43.3 cm) 

Provenance:

Private collection, purchased circa 1930s, thence by descent in the family
Sale, Heritage Auctions, Texas, Jun. 15, 2013, lot 66028
Sale, Christie's, London, Jan. 29, 2014, lot 154