Fragment
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Cotton
Dimensions
L. 9 1/2 x W. 6 1/2 inches (24.1 x 16.5 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Culture
Greek Islands, possibly Cyclades or Patmos
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1909
Accession Number
09.50.1370
Art Historical Context
This delicate embroidered cotton fragment, originating from the Greek Islands—possibly the Cyclades or Patmos—dates to the 18th. Measuring just 9½ by 6½ inches, it exemplifies the exquisite textiles produced in these Aegean communities, where embroidery was a cherished domestic art form. Crafted on cotton, a practical yet fine medium, such fragments often survived from larger garments, bed linens, or ceremonial items, offering a glimpse into everyday island life under Ottoman influence. The intricate needlework techniques highlight the anonymous artisans' mastery, blending local motifs with B...