Fragment
1701/50
Medium
Silk, warp-float faced satin weave with supplementary brocading wefts and self patterning ground wefts tied by supplementary binding warps in plain interlacing (lampas)
Dimensions
34.4 × 54.8 cm (13 1/2 × 21 5/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
70410
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk *Fragment* from the early to mid-18th century (. 1701–1750) offers a glimpse into the lavish world of luxury textiles, when finely woven fabrics adorned the wardrobes and interiors of Europe's elite. Measuring 34.4 × 54.8 cm, this survivor from an unknown larger piece—likely a garment, shawl, or upholstery panel—exemplifies the era's demand for opulent materials that signified wealth and status. Crafted in a sophisticated lampas weave, the textile features a warp-float faced satin ground enhanced by supplementary brocading wefts for raised motifs, self-patterning ground we...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...