Artwork Page for Part of a Chasuble

Details / Information for Part of a Chasuble

Part of a Chasuble

c. 1500

England, London (embroidery) and Italy, Florence (velvet), early 16th century

Medium
Silk, gold filé; appliqué, embroidery: couching stitches Velvet: solid pile, silk
Measurements
Overall: 101 x 52.8 cm (39 3/4 x 20 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Textile Arts Club 1970.124
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Although missing the central decorative band, these two velvet panels embroidered with angels and thistles originally formed part of the back of an ecclesiastical chasuble.

The term opus anglicanum, or English work, refers to English embroidery dating from the 1100s through the 1500s, like this example. Made primarily in embroidery guilds in London, it was in great demand for royal and ecclesiastical garments and furnishings throughout Europe.
Two vertically oriented dark-blue velvet panels feature stacked embroidery in glinting gold and multicolored silk. Each strip displays three motifs: at top and bottom, ornate floral scrolls with slender, curving stems. Centrally, a six-winged figure with golden curls and a circular halo stands in prayer. Golden rays radiate diagonally from the figure against the dark ground. The bottom edges are rounded, contrasting with the straight, vertical sides.

Part of a Chasuble

c. 1500

England, London (embroidery) and Italy, Florence (velvet), early 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork