Altar Frontal thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Altar Frontal

16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Altar frontal of cream-coloured silk satin, with an appliqué pattern in coloured silk brocade, and embroidery in silver-gilt thread and coloured silks. The super-frontal and the two vertical apparels are decorated with a large appliqué pattern of interlacing leafy scrolls of S-shaped outline, with narrow borders of similar design. The frontal itself is closely embroidered with curved devices and floral stems, and at the bottom is a scrolling border. There is a fringe of silver-gilt thread to the super-frontal, and a trimming of silver-gilt braid round the complete frontal. Linen lining, and two bands at the top.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk satin with applied work in silk brocade and embroidery in silver-gilt thread and coloured silks
Brief description
Altar frontal, silk satin with applied work in silk brocade and embroidery in silver-gilt thread and coloured silks, Spain, 16th century
Physical description
Altar frontal of cream-coloured silk satin, with an appliqué pattern in coloured silk brocade, and embroidery in silver-gilt thread and coloured silks. The super-frontal and the two vertical apparels are decorated with a large appliqué pattern of interlacing leafy scrolls of S-shaped outline, with narrow borders of similar design. The frontal itself is closely embroidered with curved devices and floral stems, and at the bottom is a scrolling border. There is a fringe of silver-gilt thread to the super-frontal, and a trimming of silver-gilt braid round the complete frontal. Linen lining, and two bands at the top.
Dimensions
  • Width: 69in
  • Depth: 36.25in
Dimension not including linen bands
Object history
Purchased.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
539-1902

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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