Orphrey Cross (Needlework)
Late 15th century
Medium
Silk, satin weave underlaid with linen, plain weave; appliquéd with silk, satin weave; linen and silk, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut solid velvet; and three-dimensional figures of silk, satin weave; linen, plain weave; and silk, plain weave; embroidered with silk, linen, gilt-metal-strip- and wire-wrapped silk in satin stitch; couching, padded couching, and French knots; painted; glass beads and semi-precious stones
Dimensions
109.2 × 61.2 cm (43 × 24 1/8 in.)
Classification
needlework (visual works)
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
32536
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This remarkable relief embroidery once decorated the back of a chasuble, the sleeveless overgarment worn by the priest celebrating Mass. The chasuble itself would have been made from a rich silk. The congregation saw this lifelike Crucifixion when the priest consecrated the bread and wine of the Eucharist, at that moment the priest faced the altar with his back to the congregation. The Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist are prepresented at the foot of the cross, Saint Peter with his key and Sa...
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...