About This Artwork

Italy, Florence

Orphrey Panel Depicting the Nativity, 1450/1500

Silk and gilt-animal-substrate-wrapped linen, warp-float faced 4:1 satin weave with supplementary patterning and brocading wefts bound by secondary binding warps in a weft-float faced 2:1 twill interlacing
35 x 56 cm (13 3/4 x 22 in.)
Inscription: VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST (THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH)
Restricted gift of Edward M. Cummings, 1986.178

Exhibition, Publication and Ownership Histories

Exhibition History

The Art Institute of Chicago, Gunsaulus Hall, "European Textile Masterpieces from Coptic Times through the 19th Century," September 27, 1989–January 22, 1990

The Art Institute of Chicago, Elizabeth F. Cheney and Agnes Allerton Textile Galleries, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo: Heralding a Vestment Collection," September 11, 1996–January 12, 1997

The Art Institute of Chicago, Elizabeth F. Cheney and Agnes Allerton Textile Galleries, "Renaissance Velvets and Silks," December 18, 2002–April 13, 2003