39-3/4 x 77 in.
Carl H. Lieber Memorial Fund, Martha Delzell Memorial Fund
(Loewi-Robertson), Los Angeles; purchased by IMA (June 1993).
This silk brocaded frontal is richly decorated with metallic ribbons and fringe. The elaborately patterned silk fabric was most probably manufactured at the renowned silk producing workshops in Spitalfields, near London, England. During the early part of the 18th century, depictions of naturalistic flowers scattered over a ground pattern were popular in textile designs.
Altar frontals are decorative textiles that cover the width of the altar or the table in a Christian Church. The altar cloths are commonly used to protect and beautify the altar surfaces. Covering an altar with cloth may also be a sign of respect towards the sanctity of the altar. Specific colors were reserved for various sermons performed during different occasions.
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
Indianapolis Museum of Art
September 19, 1999 - November 28, 1999
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