Fragment

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Fragment* from 16th-century Northern Italy offers a tantalizing glimpse into the opulence of Renaissance textiles. Crafted as a velvet piece measuring just 12¼ x 10⅛ inches (31.1 x 25.7 cm), it survives as a small remnant, likely from a larger panel, garment, or ecclesiastical furnishing. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts, it was generously gifted in 2002 Nanette B. Kian in honor of curator Olga Raggio. The medium—rich silk combined with shimmering metal threads—highlights the masterful weaving techniques of Northern Italia...