Lace Makers, Puerto Rico by Irwin D. Hoffman

Lace Makers, Puerto Rico by Irwin D. Hoffman

Lace Makers, Puerto Rico

Irwin D. Hoffman

Title

Lace Makers, Puerto Rico

 
Artist
Year
1944  
Technique
drypoint 
Image Size
9 3/4 x 11 7/8" platemark 
Signature
pencil lower right; signed in plate, lower right image 
Edition Size
250 
Annotations
pencil titled; dated "44" in plate 
Reference
AAA 687; 1945.038 
Paper
antique-white wove 
State
published 
Publisher
Associated American Arists (AAA) 
Inventory ID
22849 
Price
SOLD
Description

"Lace Makers...", a drypoint, was done in 1944 and published by Associated American Artists (AAA) in an edition of 250. His subjects for this composition is a group of 23 young workers, lace makers, in Puerto Rico, crowded together in a room with a nun as an overseer. The clergy could afford the costs and they commissioned lace works for their vestments and for the outfits worn by the figures of saints. It was also used to adorn clothing for infants and wedding dresses, among other uses.

Puerto Rico and Panama are both known for their fine handcraft lace (sometimes called 'pillow lace') which is lace made by brading and twisting thread on bobbins in order to control it. It was originated in Genoa, Italy in the 16th century. In Puerto Rico the towns of Moca, Isabela and Aguadilla are most famous for their Mundillo lace.

Hoffman had traveled in the 1930s and 40s as a prospector, accompanying his brothers who were mine owners. Their travels took them to the Southwest, Mexico and, on April 16, 1940, Puerto Rico where Irwin inevitably connected with the general populace, particularly the workers and the poor.