Imperial Gloves of the Holy Roman Empire

One of the Imperial Gloves, part of the regalia of the Holy Roamn Empire. Probably made in Palermo, prior to AD 1220. One of the Imperial Gloves, part of the regalia of the Holy Roamn Empire. Probably made in Palermo, prior to AD 1220. Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, Vienna, Austria, acc. no. WS XIII 11, 2013/8033.

The Imperial Gloves (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, Vienna) form part of the imperial regalia of the (German) Holy Roman Empire. The gloves date to before AD 1220. The gloves are believed to have been made in Sicily. They are made of red silk decorated with applied jewels and enamelled plaques. The front and back of the gloves are decorated with couched goldwork using a plate thread.

The main design on the front (the palm) is an eagle with outstretched wings, the emblem of the (German) Holy Roman emperors. Around the eagle is an intricate couched goldwork foliage design and quatrefoils in a trellis extending down each of the fingers. The foliage pattern continues to the back of the gloves, with the addition of small paired birds near the glove cuff. The back is also heavily decorated with applied jewels, pearls and enamelled plaques. Because of the wear on the gloves it is easy to see the original design that was drawn onto the gloves and was followed by the embroiderer. 

The gloves may be illustrated in Albrecht Dürer's imaginary portrait of Charlemagne, now in the Gemanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg.

Kaiserliche Schatzkammer online catalogue (retrieved 27 April 2017). 

See the TRC blog for 10 June 2016.

See also the TRC Needles entry on the mantle of Roger II of Sicily.

GVE

Last modified on Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:23
Published in Secular ceremonies and rituals
More in this category: « Robe Royal (UK) Mantle of Roger II of Sicily »
back to top