Piece
Unknown Artist
16th–17th century
Medium
Silk
Dimensions
L. 9 1/2 x W. 4 1/4 inches (24.1 x 10.8 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Velvets
Culture
Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The United Piece Dye Works, 1936
Accession Number
36.90.330
Art Historical Context
This exquisite fragment of silk, crafted by an unknown Italian artist in the 16 or 17th century, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Renaissance and early Baroque textiles. Measuring just 9½ by 4¼ inches, this small "Piece" survives as a testament to Italy's mastery of luxury fabrics, likely originating from workshops in cities like Venice or Genoa, renowned for their silk trade and weaving expertise. Silk velvet was a pinnacle of technical innovation during this era, produced through labor-intensive cut-pile techniques that created a rich, shimmering texture ideal for ecclesiastical v...