Fragment
Unknown Artist
16th–17th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
Overall: 18 3/4 x 17 7/8 in. (47.6 x 45.4 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in honor of Olga Raggio, 2002
Accession Number
2002.494.289
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk fragment, woven in Italy during the 16 or 17th century, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the opulent world of Renaissance and Baroque decorative arts. Measuring 18¾ x 17⅞ inches (47.6 x 45.4 cm), it survives as a testament to the mastery of Italian textile artisans, who were among Europe's finest. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts, this piece was generously gifted by Nanette B. Kian in honor of Olgaaggio in 2002Silk weaving reached extraordinary heights in Italy during this era, with cities like Venice, Florence, and...