Cope. 1490–1510. Venice. Silk, satin weave cut pile-on-pile solid velvet This luxurious expanse of velvet and embroidery is a cope, a type of priestly vestment. Because its heaviness and flared shape restricted the use of the arms, the garment was worn mostly for processions. This example no longer has the richly embroidered band that outlined the front edges when draped over the priest’s shoulders or the central, decorative hood. However, the quality of the silk fabric itself speaks to the priest’s status. Two distinct layers of velvet pile create the design of crowns, rosettes, and knots, an
Cope. 1490–1510. Venice. Silk, satin weave cut pile-on-pile solid velvet This luxurious expanse of velvet and embroidery is a cope, a type of priestly vestment. Because its heaviness and flared shape restricted the use of the arms, the garment was worn mostly for processions. This example no longer has the richly embroidered band that outlined the front edges when draped over the priest’s shoulders or the central, decorative hood. However, the quality of the silk fabric itself speaks to the priest’s status. Two distinct layers of velvet pile create the design of crowns, rosettes, and knots, and the deep crimson color was produced by a costly imported dye called Deering Family Galleries, Medieval and Renaissance Art
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