Fragment rood fluweelbrokaat met een patroon van florale motieven c. 1420 - 1905

This fragment of red velvet brocade, decorated with floral motifs, was made by an anonymous artist. Look closely, and you’ll see how the material dictates the artwork's appearance. The varying textures of the cut and uncut velvet create a play of light and shadow, enhancing the floral pattern. Brocade is made with a loom using a complex weaving process, where contrasting-colored threads are introduced to create a raised pattern. This required specialized skills and tools, and a division of labor. The labor that went into this piece is enormous. Think about the social context of textile production, and how issues of labor and class are embedded in the work. Sumptuous textiles like this were luxury goods, produced for and consumed by an elite class. So, in understanding its materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.