Piece
Unknown Artist
16th–17th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
L. 11 x W. 9 3/4 inches (27.9 x 24.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Velvets
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The United Piece Dye Works, 1936
Accession Number
36.90.440
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk velvet fragment, titled *Piece*, originates from Italy during the 16th17th centuries, a golden era for textile artistry in Renaissance and early Baroque Europe. Measuring just 11 by 9¾ inches (27.9 x 24.8 cm), it exemplifies the luxurious velvets produced in renowned centers like Genoa and Venice, where skilled weavers crafted opulent fabrics for elite clientele. These textiles were prized for their rich texture and vibrant dyes, often featuring intricate pile weaves that created a shimmering, sculptural depth—perfect for ecclesiastical vestments, noble garments, or lavish ...