Panel
17th century
Medium
Cotton and linen, twill weave; embroidered with wool yarns in satin, chain, Bohkara couching (or laid Oriental couching), buttonhole, speckling, outline, stem, stroke, coral, rococo, fishbone, slanted stem, chain, link powdering, running, and plain stitches; pattern couching; fillings made with detached buttonhole, basket, Roumanian, double knot and rope stitches; French knots
Dimensions
195 × 165.5 cm (76 3/4 × 65 1/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
11801
Art Historical Context
This magnificent 17th-century embroidered panel, on view in the Textiles Department at the Art Institute of Chicago, stands as a testament to the's exquisite craftsmanship. Measuring an impressive 195 × 165.5 cm (76 3/4 × 65 1/8 in.), its grand scale suggests it once adorned a grand bedchamber or wall hanging, transforming domestic spaces into displays of artistry and status. Crafted on a cotton and linen twill foundation, the panel bursts with wool yarn embroidery, showcasing the technical prowess of an unknown maker during a time when textiles were among the most prized luxury goods. What s...
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...