Cross-shaped Orphrey for a Chasuble Back
c. 1400
Artists
Description
Cross-shaped orphrey with a scene of the Education of the Virgin (?) at the top with Joachim and Anna and a central image of Christ on the Cross with the inscription "INRI" in a banderole. At the left arm of the cross is the Birth of the Virgin and at the right is the Nativity; at the four quadrants of the cross are the Evangelists: St. Mark (upper left), St. Matthew (upper right), St. John (lower right) and St. Luke (lower left). Christ is flanked by two angels holding chalices to catch the blood from his wounds. Below at the foot of the Cross are Mary Magdelene holding a scourge, St. John the Evangelist holding a palm, and Mary. Below is a coat of arms in a shield (gules four bars or and a pilgrims' satchel). Embroidery, incorporating split, satin, back, "fern", running stitches and couching, on silk cut crimson velvet on a plain weave linen ground.
Dimensions
111.8 × 73 cm (44 × 28 3/4 in.)
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