Opus Anglicanum
Category
Textiles
Date
1470 - 1530
Materials
Linen, silk, goldthread, paper
Measurements
35.5 x 32.5 cm
Collection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129434.2
Summary
One of three embroidered panels from ecclesiastical vestments worked in colours with metal threads with the Almighty and saints in architectural landscapes - 15th century. A cope hood, depicting God as a figure with halo seated on a throne, holding the crucified Christ with the Holy Spirit in form of a dove over Christ’s head, against a background of medieval castle walls. The embroidery is carried out in silk floss long & short stitch / split stitch in yellows, greens; outlines are embroidered in dark silk. Surrounding the throne is laid and couched goldthread embroidery, secured with orange silk thread in a chevron pattern, while the clothing of the seated figure is goldthread laid horizontally. The drawing of the design in brown ink, shows where the linen ground is exposed. The figures have been embroidered as appliqué motifs. The lower corners are shaped in a curve, from which the tip has been cut away, and triangular fragments of various materials have been added to square up the shape. There is a strip of remains of a dark brown fabric, possibly velvet, on the right hand side. Ground fabric: linen, approx. 15 threads p/cm. Appliqué fabric – top layer: linen, approx. 14-16 threads p/cm. Appliqué fabric – under layer: linen, approx. 10 threads p/cm. The back was once covered with paper.