Artwork Page for Apparel from a Dalmatic

Details / Information for Apparel from a Dalmatic

Apparel from a Dalmatic

early 1500s

Italy, early 16th century

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Medium
Silk, gold and silver thread; embroidery
Measurements
Overall: 41.9 x 54.6 cm (16 1/2 x 21 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Robertson 1977.169.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This lavishly enriched embroidery, known as an apparel, is part of a set that originally embellished a dalmatic, an ecclesiastical garment, one on the front above the hem and another on the back. Gold and silver thread form the striking strapwork, or interlaced scrolls, of blossoms and leaves. The variety of stitches would have made the embroidery sparkle in low light levels, such as in a candlelit church. Some are worked in straight lines, others in curved contours, while still others create more textured basket-weave effects.
A horizontal rectangle of dark green silk is ornately embroidered with shimmering silver thread. At the center, a floral motif radiates four leaves within a framework of intertwining, double-lined bands. Dense, scrolling vines and multi-pointed leaves fill the background. Small thistle-like shapes with red tips punctuate the outer edges. The metallic thread creates a raised, reflective texture against the deep green fabric.

Apparel from a Dalmatic

early 1500s

Italy, early 16th century

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