Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate *Fragment*, a 17th-century Italian textile, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Baroque-era Europe. Measuring 20½ by 13½ inches, it features silk threads worked onto a linen ground, a luxurious combination that speaks to the period's mastery of fine needlework. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1909 and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts, this piece survives as a testament to Italy's thriving textile traditions. In 17th-century Italy, embroidery was both an art form and a symbol of status, often adorning ecclesia...