Cope
1450/1500
Silk cut velvet embroidered with couched gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk; later additions: orphrey band
121.7 × 313.8 cm (47.9 × 123.5 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
● On view now — Gallery 237
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Velvet textiles were often employed as the foundation for ecclesiastical vestments, the ceremonial attire worn by European clergy. The pattern on the velvet is created by additional gold thread embroidery. The design, known as ferronerie (the French word for ironwork), appears to have been a Spanish specialty. On this cope (a long semicircular cape), the embroidered band that traditionally decorated the long edge was replaced at some point with a modern fabric.
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