General admission for children 17 years and under is always free

Belgian - Lace Fragment, 16th century

Belgian

Lace Fragment, 16th century

Needle and bobbin lace , 13.3 x 10.2 cm (5 1/4 x 4 in.)

Commentary

This small piece of lace was probably given to Isabella Stewart Gardner by Alfred John Rodwaye, the Honorary Secretary for the Order of the White Rose. It was meant to be a “relic of the most unfortunate & maligned Queen, Marie Stewart,” (also known as Mary Queen of Scots). Gardner was fascinated by the Queen, and erroneously believed herself to be a descendant of the royal Stuart line.