Cope
1490-1525, with later restoration
Medium
Silk cut and voided velvet, linen appliqué, silk and gilt metallic thread embroidery, and metal spangles
Dimensions
160.7 × 291.2 cm (64 1/4 × 114 5/8 in.)
Classification
liturgical
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
36132
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The production of textiles for churches—hangings, altar frontals, and liturgical vestments—was a thriving industry in Europe from the twelfth century through the eighteenth century. Among the finest ecclesiastical vestments is this resplendent velvet cope, a semicircular cloak worn as an outer garment in processions or during special ceremonies by a priest or bishop. The elegant needlework was called opus anglicanum (English work). Surrounding the cope’s central image of the Assumption of the Vi...
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...