DISCOVERART

Italy, probably Venice

Cope

1460-70
Silk and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave with supplementary brocading wefts bound by main warps in weft-float faced 1:4 'S' twill interlacings and with supplementary pile warps forming cut voided velvet
117.5 × 310 cm (46.3 × 122 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Velvet textiles often formed the foundation for the most sumptuous ecclesiastical vestments, or ceremonial attire, worn by European clergy. The cope, a cape-like garment, is worn during processions. It is usually decorated with a band of embroidery, or orphery, on its straight edge. These precious textile components were often separated to increase their value on the art market in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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