Pillow Cover (Depicting the Annunciation)
1550/1600
Medium
Linen, plain weave; embroidered with wool and silk in satin stitches; laid work and couching
Dimensions
48.9 × 52 cm (19 1/4 × 20 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
64509
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pillow cover from the late 16th century (ca. 1550–1600) captures the biblical scene of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive Jesus. Crafted by an unknown artist, it measures 48.9 × 52 cm and was designed for a bed pillow, blending everyday utility with profound religious devotion. Housed in the Art Institute Chicago's Textiles Department, it exemplifies Renaissance-era domestic embroidery, likely from Europe, where such items adorned wealthy households as symbols of piety and craftsmanship. The linen plain-weave ground is richly...
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...