Since the Renaissance, the weaving of velvet has been one of the most expensive and complex textile techniques. These sumptuous, multi-dimensional silks were manufactured for both furnishing and dress purposes; the intended use of a velvet is typically discerned from the scale of the pattern. Densely-packed small embellished barrettes and floral sprigs suggest that this example was designed for use in fashionable garments or Church vestments. One of the most popular types of velvet in the early 17th century, as seen here, is ciselé, a luxurious combination of uncut looped pile and tufted cut pile, often on a voided surface. The differing textures and heights of the pile, and also the luxurious cloth of gold ground, creates a luminous textile that changes with the quality of light and with movement.

Two joined panels, with metallic gold tape borders.