Fragment

Unknown Artist

early 18th century

Fragment by Unknown Artist

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

FlowersLeaves

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...

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