Large late 18th century (1700s) Dresden whitework embroidered hanky with Valenciennes lace and monogram. This hanky measures 23 inches square, including the 2 inch wide lace. The monogram reads EL in fine hand embroidery. The Dresden whitework has minute drawnwork lace and a multitude of different stitches showing off the skill of the embroideress. The fabric is hand woven cotton, very fine. The design elements are stylized flowers and feathers typical of the 18th century work.
The condition of this hanky is excellent, there are a couple teensy holes and a few very small discolorations, but this is nothing for a piece of this age, it is not washed, so it retains its patina. This was part of the Florence Colgate Speranza collection.