Galloon
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Metal thread
Dimensions
2 1/4 x 24 inches (5.7 x 61.0 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Trimmings
Culture
Swiss
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1908
Accession Number
08.48.77
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of 18-century Swiss decorative arts with *Galloon*, a delicate strip of metal thread trimming measuring just 2¼ x 24 inches. Crafted by an unknown artist, this exquisite piece exemplifies the precision and luxury of passementerie—ornamental braids used to embellish clothing, upholstery, and ecclesiastical garments. Its shimmering metal threads, likely gold or silver, catch the light, transforming a functional trim into a statement of elegance wealth. In 18th-century Europe, Switzerland was renowned for its mastery of metal threadwork, a labor-intensive technique in...