Fragment
Unknown Artist
late 15th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
Overall: 16 x 6 in. (40.6 x 15.2 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Velvets
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002
Accession Number
2002.494.128a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk velvet fragment, crafted by an unknown Italian artist in the late 15th century, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Renaissance textiles. Hailing from Italy—a epicenter of luxury fabric production during this era, particularly in cities like Venice and Genoa—this small piece (16 x 6 inches) survives as a testament to the era's masterful weaving techniques. Velvets like this were prized for ecclesiastical vestments, noble garments, and lavish furnishings, symbolizing wealth piety amid the flourishing Italian Renaissance. The medium of silk velvet is key to its allure...