1887, Robert Frederick Blum, Venetian Lacemakers -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: The Lace School (Scuola dei Merletti) on Burano was a very social place, and its workers were admirable artistic subjects due to their skill and the economic benefits lace brought to the island. Blum and other artists studied the interactions of lacemakers, who gossip, conspire, and laugh as they hand stitch their delicate treasures. Bright sunlight spills in through large windows, perhaps signaling the success of this newly reestablished craft industry. Also facilitating this convivial atmosphere was the School’s use of division of labor, with specialization at different steps in the process to increase production speed and volume. For Blum, artmaking in Venice was also a pleasurable group activity, lodging in the company of fellow “Duveneck Boys,” then sketching together by day and dining at favorite trattorie. This cheerful painting invites viewers to visit or imaginatively join the happy and productive world of modern Venice.
1887, Robert Frederick Blum, Venetian Lacemakers -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: The Lace School (Scuola dei Merletti) on Burano was a very social place, and its workers were admirable artistic subjects due to their skill and the economic benefits lace brought to the island. Blum and other artists studied the interactions of lacemakers, who gossip, conspire, and laugh as they hand stitch their delicate treasures. Bright sunlight spills in through large windows, perhaps signaling the success of this newly reestablished craft industry. Also facilitating this convivial atmosphere was the School’s use of division of labor, with specialization at different steps in the process to increase production speed and volume. For Blum, artmaking in Venice was also a pleasurable group activity, lodging in the company of fellow “Duveneck Boys,” then sketching together by day and dining at favorite trattorie. This cheerful painting invites viewers to visit or imaginatively join the happy and productive world of modern Venice.