John of Thanet Panel

The John of Thanet Panel, early 14th century, England. The John of Thanet Panel, early 14th century, England. Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, acc. no. T.337-1921.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, houses the so-called John of Thanet panel, which was attached to the back of a cope. The panel dates to the early fourteenth century. It measures 99 x 42 cm. The panel is made of silk with silver-gilt, silver and silk thread, and pearls. It is a prime example of Opus Anglicanum.

The embroidery shows Christ in Majesty, with in his left hand an orb, and inscribed on it the words Europa, Africa and Asia. His right hand is raised in a blessing. Above the arch there is text that says: Johannis de Thaneto. He was a monk of Canterbury Cathedral, described as "Monk and Chaunter of this Church, well vers'd in Mathematicks".

Source: COATSWORTH, Elizabeth (2012). 'John of Thanet', in: Gale Owen-Crocker, Elizabeth Coatsworth and Maria Hayward (eds.). Encyclopedia of Medieval Dress and Textiles of the British Isles, c. 450-1450, Brill: Leiden, pp. 298-299.

V&A online catalogue (retrieved 11 September 2016).

WV

Last modified on Sunday, 06 November 2016 14:45