Italian, Siena
Fragment of Orphrey with Scene of The Annunciation, about 1450-1500
Silk compound satin, 24.1 x 15.9 cm (9 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.)
Rectangular fragment of an orphrey depicting the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in white, purple, green, and metal threads on a red satin ground. Surrounding the scene is a green floral damask border. In the center of the scene are two figures with white skin. Both are kneeling and clad in red and gold robes. They are in profile and kneeling on either side of a white lily. The figure on the left is the Virgin Mary, who seems to be holding something to her chest. The figure on the right is the angel, whose hands are crossed at their chest.
Short Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.