SPITZE!
A dual exhibition

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, lace was much more than mere decoration: it was considered an expression of luxury, fashion consciousness, and social status—and was particularly impressive when used on collars.

The exhibition in the Study Room highlights “collar fashion” on the basis of two important portrait collections: the iconography of Anthony van Dyck (1591–1641) preserved in the Liberna Collection; and the collection of paintings and miniatures belonging to the publisher couple Frieda and Franz von Lipperheide, which is now housed in the Art Library of the National Museums in Berlin (Fashion Image Collection). The portraits engage in a dialogue with historical collars and lace. Here, their preciousness, delicate texture, and masterful craftsmanship become evident.

The labor-intensive production and maintenance made lace an exclusive commodity. The lace-making techniques that were important for that era are illustrated in the DAS Forum using models and videos, which in turn engage in a dialogue with contemporary fashion and collars. Modern interpretations showcase the creative potential of this historic art of lace-making. The poetic works of the artist Gertrud Riethmüller bridge the past and the present, opening up new perspectives on this time-honored craft.