Fragment
Unknown Artist
early 18th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
Overall: 11 3/4 x 10 3/4 in. (29.8 x 27.3 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Woven
Culture
Italian, Venice
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
2002.494.509
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silk fragment, woven in Venice during the early 18th century, captures the opulent floral and leafy motifs that defined Italian luxury textiles of the Baroque era. Measuring just 11¾ x 10¾ inches, this delicate survivor showcases intricate weaving techniques, where fine silk threads are interlaced to create vibrant, naturalistic patterns of blooming flowers and foliage. Venetian artisans were renowned for such masterpieces, blending Eastern silk traditions—imported via the Silk Road—with local innovation, producing sumptuous fabrics for elite clothing, upholstery, and ecclesiast...