Orphrey Panels With Christ Healing The Sick And The Adoration Of The Shepherds.

A pair of framed orphrey panels with Christ healing the sick and the adoration of the shepherds.

German, early 16th century.

Measurements:
42 x 20cm without frame and 53 x 31cm including frame.
41.5 x 21cm without frame and 51 x 31cm including frame.

Orphrey panels are decorative bands using silk and metal threads, sometimes with metal thread grounds, and with further applique. They decorated the chasubles, dalmatics and copes, which were garments worn by the bishops and priests during Mass celebrations. Embroidery had been considered a craft that was acceptably practised by women and those of noble birth, in addition to male craftsmen. In convents it was authorised due to being devoted to worthy ends and not distracting from worship. Fine embroidery was not solely confined to convents, and professionals that were paid for their skills were recorded in secular communities and individual domestic settings.