Part of a valance
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Silk on cotton
Dimensions
Overall: 18 1/4 × 64 in. (46.4 × 162.6 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Embroidered
Culture
Greek, Ionian Islands or Epirus
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of George D. Pratt, 1931
Accession Number
31.42
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Part of a Valance*, crafted in the 18th century by unknown artist from the Greekonian Islands or Epir, offers a glimpse into the rich traditions of Ottoman-era Greece. Valances like this were essential decorative elements for beds or windows in prosperous households, often part of bridal dowries that showcased a woman's skill and family's status. Measuring an impressive 18¼ × 64 inches, elongated form suggests it once draped elegantly along a bed's edge, transforming everyday spaces into vibrant displays of artistry. Embroidered in luxurious silk threads on a cotton ground, th...