Antependium fragment
2ft. 10in. x 1ft. 7in.
Southwest Germany circa 1350
Condition: very good, some small repairs,
conservation report available
Silk embroidery with large areas gold wrapped silk thread
This exquisite fragment of a needlework antependium from the Gothic period is probably half its original size. With its colors still as fresh and vibrant as when it was made and the majority of the embroidered stitches still intact, it conveys the glory of the Christian religion and the Catholic Church during one of its most significant and powerful periods.
The fragment is divided into four panels depicting, from left to right, Jesus carrying the cross, Jesus and his twelve disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus on the cross, and Jesus being placed into a casket.
These very finely worked scenes are executed with masterly perspective and proportions. Their subtly patterned backgrounds embroidered in golden yellow silk lend a royal air, as does the indigo sky with twinkling stars above numerous cupola domes in green, variegated blue, deep bronze, and bright red. Notice the three seemingly cut-out areas below the cupolas. With the exception of the coppery fill below the green cupolas on the left, the cut-out areas beneath have been filled in to match the cupolas. The red and bronze cut-out areas on the right correspond to their opposite cupolas. This thoughtful treatment provides an unusual element that enhances the overall appearance and adds another dimension to these scenes.
Surely this antependium once graced an important altar setting. It may have even belonged to a member of a royal court, where it was admired and revered.

Condition: very good, some small repairs,
conservation report available
Silk embroidery with large areas gold wrapped silk thread