Hanging

Unknown Artist

late 15th century

Hanging by Unknown Artist

Medium

silk; metal; linen

Dimensions

128 1/2 x 22 1/2 in. (326.5 x 57.2 cm)

Classification

Textiles-Velvets

Culture

Italian, possibly Florence

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

Accession Number

1975.1.1760

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Hanging* from the 15th century exemplifies the opulence of Renaissance Italian textiles, likely produced in Florence, a renowned hub for luxury weaving. Crafted from silk, metal threads, linen, this tall, narrow panel (over 10 feet long and about 2 feet wide) belongs to the prestigious category of velvets. These fabrics were laboriously created using complex looms, where loops of silk pile were cut or left uncut to form intricate patterns, often enhanced with shimmering metal (gold or silver) for a jewel-like effect. Such techniques demanded skilled artisans and costly material...

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