Four Embroidered Saints, probably from an Orphrey: St. Peter, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, and St. Barbara

early- to mid-15th century
Not on view
English needlework was prized throughout medieval Europe for its refined craftsmanship and vivid imagery. Embroidered with expensive colored and metallic threads, this example—cut from the band of an ecclesiastical garment --depicts Saints Peter, Catherine, Thomas, and Barbara.


Feet planted upon a verdant ground blossoming with flowers, the figures stand beneath vaulted domes. Cut from a larger work of embroidery, the fragments would have originally decorated a panel from ecclesiastical vestments such as copes and chasubles.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Four Embroidered Saints, probably from an Orphrey: St. Peter, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, and St. Barbara
  • Date: early- to mid-15th century
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Embroidery on linen
  • Dimensions: Overall (a): 11 5/8 × 6 1/8 in. (29.6 × 15.5 cm)
    Overall (b): 11 5/8 × 6 1/4 in. (29.5 × 15.9 cm)
    Overall (c): 12 1/16 × 5 15/16 in. (30.6 × 15.1 cm)
    Overall (d): 11 9/16 × 6 1/4 in. (29.3 × 15.9 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Gift of Karen B. Cohen, in honor of Rochelle C. Rosenberg, 2022
  • Object Number: 2022.132a–d
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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