Fragment
Late 16th century
Medium
silk, velvet; cut and uncut twill weave foundation
Dimensions
15.7 × 15.2 cm (6 3/16 × 6 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
61813
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Fragment* from the late16th century offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Renaissance-era textiles. Crafted from silk velvet on a twill weave foundation, this small square—measuring just 15. × 15.2 cm—showcases the intricate interplay of cut and uncut pile techniques. The cut pile creates a lustrous, reflective surface that catches the light, while uncut areas provide subtle texture and depth, demonstrating the weaver's masterful control over form and sheen. Produced during a time when velvet was a symbol of wealth and status, particularly in European courts and Italian w...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...