Orphrey section made into cushion

Art Historical Context

This exquisite orphrey section, repurposed as a cushion, hails from the second half of the 16 century and originates from either Italy or Spain—regions renowned for their lavish ecclesiastical textiles during the late Renaissance. Originally a decorative band adorning liturgical vestments worn by clergy, orphreys like this one were prominent features on stoles, cop, or chasubles, symbolizing spiritual authority and divine splendor. Measuring a compact 46.5 x 46 cm, it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Robert Lehman Collection, acquired in 1975. Crafted from silk, linen, and meta...