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Priest's Red Cope, Orphrey and Hood
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Liturgical copes are used for processions especially by those who assist the celebrant. They evolved from a secular outer garment with a hood to protect the wearer from wind and rain. Hoods remained although they became decorative and nonfunctional. This Italian silk damask features large symmetrical bouquets in urns within curved lattices bearing crowns flanked by birds. The French orphrey band, or ornamental border, along the front edges and hood incorporates small ornament associated with prestigious lace amid the formal foliate design.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit linePriest's Red Cope, Orphrey and Hood, late 1500s - early 1600s. France and Italy, Orphrey and hood: France, Lyon, Regency period, 1715-1725; Cope: Italy, late 16th - early 17th century. Cope: damask weave, silk; Orphrey and hood: brocade, silk and silver; overall: 124.5 x 276.9 cm (49 x 109 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of the Swetland Family, 1995.106
