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Saint Martin and Saint Hilary

1430–35
Not on view
This roundel, together with three others in the Lehman Collection (1975.1.1906, 1975.1.1907, and 1975.1.1909), and two in The Cloisters Collection (47.101.63 and 47.101.64), form part of the same series of early fifteenth-century Franco-Flemish embroideries depicting scenes from the life of Saint Martin. Originally part of a much larger ensemble (thirty-six roundels and panels are now dispersed among public and private collections), the embroideries may have decorated a liturgical vestment, an altar frontal, or possibly a combination thereof, constituting a set of vestments.

Having left the Roman army, Martin devoted himself to religious life and became a disciple of Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers in France. Saint Martin is portrayed kneeling before the Bishop, who is ordaining him as acolyte. This series of embroideries, if not originally intended for a liturgical garment, may have embellished an altar frontal, similar to the blue covering that appears here on the altar behind the kneeling figure of Martin. The upper portion of the altar, adorned by a Crucifixion scene, may have been conceived as a painted or embroidered altar covering.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Martin and Saint Hilary
  • Date: 1430–35
  • Culture: Flemish
  • Medium: Linen plain weave underlaid with linen plain weave (two layers) and embroidered with silk and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk in single satin, split, and stem stitches, laid work, and couching, including or nué
  • Dimensions: Diameter (above measurement of mount opening): 6 1/2 in. (16.5cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Ecclesiastical
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1908
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Hat Badge: Woman Choosing Between Youth and Old Age, Gold, gold filigree and enamel, probably Flemish (Malines)
Hat Badge: Woman Choosing Between Youth and Old Age
probably Flemish (Malines)
ca. 1520
The Holy Family, Wool, silk, and gilt- and silvered-metal-strip-wrapped silk in slit, dovetailed, and interlocking tapestry weave with supplementary brocading wefts (in sewing basket, Joseph's coat, and hem of Mary's cloak), Flemish, Southern Netherlands
The Holy Family
Flemish, Southern Netherlands
ca. 1500
The Last Supper, Bernard van Orley Netherlandish, Wool, silk, silver-gilt thread.
The Last Supper
Bernard van Orley
Pieter de Pannemaker
ca. 1525–28
Emperor Vespasian Cured by Veronica's Veil, Wool, silk, and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk in slit, dovetailed, and double interlocking tapestry weave., Flemish, Brussels
Emperor Vespasian Cured by Veronica's Veil
Flemish, Brussels
ca. 1510
Armorial tazza, Italian (Venice) or façon de Venise (Venetian-style), Colorless (slightly gray) nonlead glass; blown, pattern-molded, enameled, gilt, Venetian or façon de Venise, or French
Armorial tazza
Italian
French
1499–1514

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Saint Martin and Saint Hilary - Flemish - The Metropolitan Museum of Art