Cope
1450-1500
Medium
Silk cut velvet embroidered with couched gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk; later additions: orphrey band
Dimensions
121.7 × 313.8 cm (47 7/8 × 123 1/2 in.); Repeat: 54 × 28.5 cm (21 1/4 × 11 1/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
36999
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Velvet textiles were often employed as the foundation for ecclesiastical vestments, the ceremonial attire worn by European clergy. The pattern on the velvet is created by additional gold thread embroidery. The design, known as ferronerie (the French word for ironwork), appears to have been a Spanish specialty. On this cope (a long semicircular cape), the embroidered band that traditionally decorated the long edge was replaced at some point with a modern fabric.
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...