White and Polychrome Brocaded Damask
In a fine example of brocaded damask, talented weavers set polychrome motifs inspired by Persian designs- vases of stylized carnations, and pairs of birds- within a cream-colored ground whose elegant design is subtly articulated by the mat and glossy surfaces of the damask. The current assemblage, probably created by dealers in the early twentieth century to make a more saleable object, neatly combines as many as ten patches, their seams cleverly disguised. The current object has been made to resemble the reverse of a Christian priest's tabard-like chasuble garment, although details of the shaping, especially at the 'shoulders', and its narrow size reveal that this would never actually have functioned as such. Other examples of this textile's distinctive white and polychrome design survive in The Met's collection (46.156.143) and in European collections, in Paris (Musée des Arts Décoratifs) and San Gimignano (Museo d'Arte Sacra).
Artwork Details
- Title: White and Polychrome Brocaded Damask
- Date: Woven between around 1450 and 1550
- Culture: Italian, probably Venice
- Medium: Silk
- Dimensions: L. 38 1/2 x W. 33 inches (97.8 x 83.8 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Woven
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1926
- Object Number: 26.231.14
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Italian, Venice
second half 15th century
Italian
late 15th–early 16th century
Italian
second half 15th century
probably Northern Italian
second half 15th century
probably Northern Italian
second half 15th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.