Cope
c. 1500
Medium
Silk, satin weave cut pile-on-pile solid velvet
Dimensions
119.6 × 282.1 cm (47 1/8 × 111 1/8 in.); Repeat: 41.3 × 29.8 cm (16 1/4 × 11 3/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
74808
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of Renaissance ecclesiastical textiles with this stunning *Cope*, dating to around 1500. A cope is a ceremonial cloak worn by clergy during Catholic liturgies, symbolizing reverence and grandeur. Crafted from luxurious silk in a satin weave cut pile-on-pile solid velvet, piece measures an impressive 119.6 × 282.1 cm, designed to drape dramatically over the shoulders. Its repeating pattern, with a 41.3 × 29.8 cm motif, suggests a woven design likely featuring floral or symbolic motifs common in liturgical vestments of the era. The pile-on-pile technique is a marvel ...
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...