Venus of Botticelli, 20th c.

Venus of Botticelli, 1st half of the 20th century, satin stitches of different coloured sea silk in gold frame, , Scuola professionale femminile, I-Taranto. Private property (MS Inventory 64).

Volto della Venere di Boticcelli, ricamo in bisso eseguito nella Scuola professionale femminile, embroidered in finest satin stitches of different coloured sea silk, carved frame, 6×8 cm.

This small picture is probably the most unusual object made of sea silk. The individual stitches are hardly visible to the naked eye – it must have been made by a highly talented master craftswoman.

In September 2018 the Archivio di Stato in Taranto, under the direction of Dr. Lucia D’Ippolito, hosted an exhibition: “Ulivo e Bisso Marino. Il mediterraneo che unisce.” For the first time, it was possible to exhibit unknown sea silk objects from private persons. Also, important written documents and photographs were on display, which added to the history of the sea silk in Taranto. This napkin belongs to these objects.