Artwork Page for Christ Gathering Roses, Centerpiece of an Altar Cloth(?)

Details / Information for Christ Gathering Roses, Centerpiece of an Altar Cloth(?)

Christ Gathering Roses, Centerpiece of an Altar Cloth(?)

early to mid-1400s

Germany

Medium
Linen: plain weave; silk: embroidery (split stitch)
Measurements
Overall: 85.1 x 92.1 cm (33 1/2 x 36 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Elizabeth and Martin David in memory of the Heidenhain family 2021.238
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The Christ child has put aside his globe to devote himself entirely to picking flowers.

Description

The altar cloth was probably made for a southern German convent in the 15th century. While the focus on the Christ child is typical for female spirituality in the late Middle Ages, there are no comparative examples for the Christ child picking flowers. The detailed depiction of plants and flowers is of unusual quality for the embroideries of this period.
Embroidery on a square tan linen and silk fabric features a central wreath enclosing a small haloed figure reaching toward a tree blossom. Four larger foliate wreaths occupy the corners, while sprigs of flowers, insects, and running animals are scattered throughout the background. The design is worked in muted shades of blue, green, and faded red. Water stains appear along the top edge.

Christ Gathering Roses, Centerpiece of an Altar Cloth(?)

early to mid-1400s

Germany

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