2-737-421 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Part of a Chasuble Back, c. 1500. Although missing the central decorative orphrey band, these two velvet panels originally formed part of the back of an ecclesiastical chasuble. The angels and thistles were embroidered separately on a plain linen cloth, cut out and appliquéd on the velvet with couching stitches added to conceal their edges. The term opus anglicanum is used to refer to English embroidery dating from the 1100s through the 1500s. Made primarily in embroidery guilds in London, it was in great demand for royal and ecclesiastical garments and furnishings throughout Europe.