Icon of the Virgin and Child
Unknown Artist
500s
Medium
wool and dye
Dimensions
178.7 × 110.5 cm · mounted: 197.4 × 128.2 × 6.4 cm
Classification
Textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
1967.144
About this artwork
Woven from more than 20 colors of woolen thread, this tapestry was more expensive than a painting when it was made. It is among the rarest works now at the CMA. The historical price reflected contemporary viewers’ appreciation for the weavers’ skilled color blending. Hung on a wall, this tapestry allowed viewers to venerate, or honor, the image of the Virgin Mary and Christ child. Angels and apostles surround them, their names written in Greek. The makers’ talents also contributed to its success...