Chasuble

Unknown

mid-17th century · Plain-weave silk, brocaded · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This Italian-woven silk exemplifies the conspicuous adaptation of a foreign design in a European-made fabric. The colorful stylized tulips and carnations arranged in rows of alternating diagonals imitate the more elegantly stylized floral silks and velvets of Safavid Iran. The design is augmented by the use of a number of colors of silk thread, arranged in no obvious pattern, for the flowers—a characteristic Safavid weaving technique intended to make a small repeat pattern appear more complex. The coat of arms embroidered on the cope links it to the Gradenigo family of Venice.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Plain-weave silk, brocaded

Culture

Italian, probably Venice

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Dr. Richard J. Cross, William R. Cross Jr. and Dr. Thomas N. Cross, in memory of their mother, Mrs. William Redmond Cross, 1981