Piece

Art Historical Context

This exquisite embroidered *Piece*, crafted by an unknown Italian artist in the 16th century exemplifies the Renaissance mastery of textiles. Measuring 18½ x 18 inches (47 x 45.7 cm), it features luxurious silk and metal threads worked onto a linen ground, creating a shimmering surface that catches the light. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, it entered the collection in 1936 as a gift from The United Piece Dye Works, highlighting the era's textile heritage. In Renaissance Italy, embroidery like this was a prestigious art form, often adornin...