Fragment of velvet
Unknown Artist
early 16th century
Medium
Silk, metal thread
Dimensions
Overall: 7 1/2 x 7 3/4 in. (19.1 x 19.7 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Velvets
Culture
Italian or Spanish
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
2002.494.125
Art Historical Context
This exquisite fragment of velvet, dating to the early 16th century, hails from either Italy or Spain—two powerhouses of Renaissance textile artistry. Measuring a modest 7½ x 7¾ inches (19.1 x 19.7 cm), it survives as a tantalizing glimpse into the opulent world of European decorative arts. During this era, velvet was a symbol of wealth and status, adorning ecclesiastical vestments, noble garments, and lavish furnishings in courts across Europe. Crafted from luxurious silk woven with shimmering metal threads, the piece showcases advanced weaving techniques like voided velvet, where intricate ...