Fragment

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silk and metal-thread fragment, woven in early 17th-century Italy offers a glimpse into the lavish world of Baroque-era textiles. Measuring 24¾ x 8⅛ inches, it showcases intricate floral motifs—a hallmark of Italian decorative arts—rendered with luxurious silk warps and shimmering metal threads, likely gold or silver lamé, for a radiant, jewel-like effect. As a woven textile classified in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative collection, it survives as a precious remnant, possibly from a grand ecclesiastical vestment, altar hanging, or aristocratic g...