Embroidered panel in the shape of a cathedral window with black border; St. John standing with book in proper left hand; lion's head and skin seen under saint's robe

St. John the Baptist, c. 1400-1450

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Opus anglicanum is an embroidery style that originated in England in the 11th century but became popular throughout Europe during the medieval period. It is characterized by the use of couched metallic threads combined with silk surface stitches. This type of embroidery was primarily used for religious purposes on copes, chasubles and altar frontals and was executed in professional workshops and by nuns in convents.

This image of St. John the Baptist was likely part of an orphery, an embroidered band on an ecclesiastical vestment or hanging. Medieval artists used a variety of iconographic conventions to clearly identify the individuals depicted on textiles, illuminated manuscripts, or paintings. John the Baptist was typically portrayed dressed in animal skins, holding a lamb with a nimbus and cross, symbolic of Christ, the lamb of God.

Details
Title
St. John the Baptist
Role
Artist
Accession Number
96.89
Curator Approved

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Embroidered panel in the shape of a cathedral window with black border; St. John standing with book in proper left hand; lion's head and skin seen under saint's robe