Italian
Valance with Island Silk Pattern, about 1730-1740
Silk compound satin brocaded with polychrome silk and silver or gilt yarns , 119.4 x 77.5 cm (47 x 30 1/2 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This textile is a large rectangle composed of two widths of the same silk floral printed fabric sewn together and the pattern matched. The lower edge has been cut into a scalloped border. The pattern has two different large bouquets of orange, yellow, and blue flowers with curving, S shaped, blue/green leaves. The two bouquets alternate, in offset undulating rows, across a background of pale pink silk. The entire fabric piece is trimmed on all sides with tiny gold tassels attached to a grosgrain gold ribbon.
Little Salon
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.