Peasant costume fragment

Unknown Artist

18th–19th century

Peasant costume fragment by Unknown Artist

Medium

Wool on canvas

Dimensions

L. 4 x W. 3 5/8 inches (10.2 x 9.2 cm)

Classification

Textiles-Embroidered

Culture

Albanian or Montenegrin

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1909

Accession Number

09.50.195

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment of a peasant costume, embroidered with wool on canvas,ails from the 18th or 19th century and measures just 4 by 3⅝ inches. Likely originating from Albanian or Montenegrin culture, it exemplifies the rich textile traditions of Balkan rural communities. Such small pieces often came from larger garments like vests, aprons, or sashes, where embroidery served both practical and decorative purposes, adorning everyday wear with patterns that conveyed cultural identity and regional pride. The technique of wool embroidery on canvas highlights the skill of anonymous artisans—typi...

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