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Belgian Bobbin Lace Border

Bobbin lace border from Belgium, commemorating the accession to the throne of King Charles II in 1665. Bobbin lace border from Belgium, commemorating the accession to the throne of King Charles II in 1665. Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum, London, acc. no. T.26-1949.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London houses a Belgian bobbin lace border that commemorates the accession to the throne of King Charles II of Spain ("the bewitched") in 1665 (aged three). The inscription reads: CA SECO REX HPA. At the time of Charles II's accession, the southern Netherlands (nowadays Belgium) still formed part of the Spanish empire.

The young king (aged three) is depicted at first glance wearing a girl's dress. However, it should be regarded as unisex clothing, worn by boys and girls. Boys were 'breeched' around the age of five. 

V&A online catalogue (retrieved 3 October 2016).

WV

Last modified on Monday, 03 October 2016 10:59