ALTAR FRONTAL, "FRONTALE RICO"
(Details) Spain, Castile, 1483-1495
Guadalupe, Monastery Dimensions: 108 x 372 cm. Fig. 288:
about 85 x 60 cm.

The centre of the altar frontal is occupied by the scene of the Assumption of the Virgin. To the left, the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi; to the right, the Resurrection and Ascension. The terminal panels at the two ends show the Virgin and the Angel Gabriel (Annunciation). Linen ground. Embroidery in silk, in stem, chain, and satin stitch and laid and couched work. Gold threads in couched work. Much restored in the 16th century and again in 1679 and 1689. At the last restoration, adorned with pearls and gems. According to tradition, the original work was done by a monk, Brother Diego from Toledo. Lit. A.C. Floriano, El Bordado, Barcelona 1942, p. 95 .

Source: Schuette, Marie and Sigrid Muller-Christensen: Pictorial History of Embroidery ; NY: Frederick Praeger, 1964.