Cope

1460-1500

Not on view

From the Exotic to the Mystical: May 4, 2013 - August 4, 2013: This luxurious cope—the outer vestment worn by Roman Catholic clergy—is woven in a complex technique of cut and voided velvet. Patterned in the ferronnerie style of repeating pomegranate motifs, it exemplifies the exquisite velvet weaving of the Italian Renaissance and the influence of Ottoman textile design. The embroidered ornamental band (ophrey) illustrates Catholic saints including Saint John (far right), the Virgin Mary (center right), and Saint Lucy (second from left), who presents her own eyes on a plate.

Title: Cope
Date: 1460-1500
Object Type: Costume
Medium: Silk; velvet (cut and voided), appliqué, and embroidery (couching and satin stitch)
Credit Line: Gift of the Estate of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Crocker
Accession Number: 1998.148.2