Panel
Unknown Artist
15th century
Medium
Silk; metal;
Dimensions
44 1/2 x 25 1/2 in. (114.6 x 66.2 cm) with fringe
Classification
Textiles-Velvets
Culture
Italian or Spanish
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975 1975.1.1821
Accession Number
1975.1.1821
Art Historical Context
This exquisite velvet panel from the 15th century visitors to glimpse the lavish textile arts of Renaissance Europe. Crafted from luxurious silk with intricate metal threads—likely gold or silver for a shimmering effect—this large piece (44½ x 25½ inches, including fringe) hails from either Italy or Spain, regions famed for their mastery of velvet weaving. As part of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1975.1.1821), it exemplifies the era's opulent velvets, often used for ecclesiastical vestments, noble garments, or palatial hangings. Velvet production in the 15th ...