Cope Hood

Embroidered with silk, silver and silver-gilt threads, this shield-shaped textile was originally stitched to the back of a cape-like church vestment called a cope. Since the cope would have been worn only for religious ceremonies, the hood was merely decorative and not functional. Attired in a gold cloak over a blue tunic, Saint Peter is shown holding a book and his attribute, the key to heaven. He sits on a cathedra, or bishop’s throne, because he is considered the first bishop of Rome. His mouth and eyes are delicately embroidered. Where the needlework has worn away, the artist’s under-drawing is still evident.