Panel
1906/49 (based on 15th–century Venetian design)
Designed by Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (Italian, born Spain, 1871–1949) Italy, Venice
Venice
Mariano Fortuny experimented with new methods of manufacture in order to emulate the look of Renaissance velvets. By juxtaposing his printed panel with a 15th-century woven design, the similarities in their undulating floral and pomegranate motifs become apparent. Fortuny’s metallic pigments, printed onto the rich burgundy surface of the velvet, compress the pile, creating the appearance of a cut and voided velvet. With his inventive methods, Fortuny sought to renew history and rewrite luxury for the modern consumer.
Silk, plain weave with supplementary pile warps forming cut, solid velvet; printed