Woven Textile (silk with bizarre design)
"Bizarre" design representing an underwater fantasy, consisting of double vertical rows of serpentine, branching bands with occasional abstract and diapered shapes along the "trunks," framing a group of abstracted, rock-like shapes, from which sprout long, curved, spiky leaves and a thick stem intertwining with the wider bands, branching exotic flowers, fruits, leaves and shells; the entire pattern echoed and complimented by the ground patterning. Four pieced lengths, sewn together along the selvedges to form a large rectangle, edged with gilded metal and yellow silk galloon trim (1 3/4 inches wide with a repeating leaf and flower design), backed with red plain weave silk taffeta.
Artist/maker unknown, Italian?
Probably made in Italy, Europe
Date:
c. 1700-1705Medium:
Silk damask brocaded with colored silks and metal threadsDimensions:
7 feet 2 inches × 6 feet 10 inches (218.4 × 208.3 cm) Pattern Repeat: 30 1/2 inches (77.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1969-290-122Credit Line:
Gift of Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr., 1969
This example in the late bizarre style features an underwater fantasy complete with aquatic plants and shells. The fabric was probably originally used for an ecclesiastical vestment and later pieced together as a decorative panel.