Fragment

The deceptively simple pattern of this piece of velvet involves red cherries surrounded by a lattice, which creates negative spaces in the shape of leaves. Although the pattern subtly shifts direction from one horizontal row to the next, it is essentially symmetrical, which is characteristic of late-Renaissance tastes. Well-suited for upholstery and clothing, velvets such as these were made throughout Europe and therefore cannot be identified easily as French or Italian. When velvet is woven threads are wrapped around rods, which are later removed to create loops. Here, the primary pattern emerges through cut and uncut loops, yet the silver metallic background remains visible.