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Agnus Dei Embroidered Roundel Circa 1650

Agnus Dei Embroidered Roundel Circa 1650

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) embroidered roundel, c. 1650, with silk and silver wire on linen. One rare surviving metal spangle adds to its interest and value, and hints at the original candlelit shimmer.

£350.00
£350.00
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Description and Details

This embroidered roundel depicts the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God. The lamb faces forward, holding a purple victory flag topped with a cross, against a radiating sunburst ground. The piece is dated to around 1650.

Fine silk threads and silver wire are worked in satin stitch and goldwork on a linen backing cloth. A single handmade metal spangle, a flattened wire ring, survives beside the lamb. Spangles are rarely retained on textiles, as the metal can cut the surrounding threads; this survivor adds considerably to the roundel’s interest and value. It also points to the original effect: the sunburst rays and flag details would have been densely lined with reflective discs, designed to catch and shimmer in the light of church candles.

The roundel measures 16.5 x 15.5 cm


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