Antependium

Unknown

15th century (antependium) and 16th century or 17th century (border) · Silk; metal · Robert Lehman Collection

At least six pieces of an Italian fifteenth-century green velvet make up this antependium (altar frontal), which is sectioned into squares with narrow silver tape. The edges are finished with wide silk and silver-gilt tape and the bottom is fringed. The appliquéd needlework border across the upper quadrant was worked over padding in gold and silver thread in a meandering scroll pattern reminiscent of Italian needle lace designs. It probably dates from the sixteenth or seventh century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century (antependium) and 16th century or 17th century (border)

Medium

Silk; metal

Culture

Italian

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975