Artwork Page for Mantle for a Statue of the Virgin with Lotus Blossoms and Medallions

Details / Information for Mantle for a Statue of the Virgin with Lotus Blossoms and Medallions

Mantle for a Statue of the Virgin with Lotus Blossoms and Medallions

c. 1430

Egypt and Spain, Egypt

Medium
Silk and gilt-metal thread: lampas weave
Measurements
Overall: 70.5 x 111.2 cm (27 3/4 x 43 3/4 in.); Mounted: 78.1 x 119.4 cm (30 3/4 x 47 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1939.40
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This costly royal silk with extensive gold thread was woven in Egypt and gifted or exported to Spain, where it was pieced into this mantle for a statue of the Virgin, probably to be worn during festivals and processions.

The sturdy silk brocade foundation cloth was also woven with a lighter weight silk damask with a repeating mirror image. Therefore, the Arabic inscription in the medallions reads both forward and backward: Glory to our master, the sultan, the king. The inscribed lobed roundels say The sultan, the king.
A fan-shaped silk and gold garment features repeating patterns of circular medallions enclosing stylized script against a dark blue ground. Large gold lotus blossoms are interspersed among dense scrolling vines and smaller floral motifs that shimmer across the fabric. The wide, flared shape is constructed from several panels with visible seams angling toward the curved neckline. A dense gold pattern of foliage and vines is silhouetted against the indigo silk background.

Mantle for a Statue of the Virgin with Lotus Blossoms and Medallions

c. 1430

Egypt and Spain, Egypt

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