Italy or Spain

The designation Italy or Spain refers to a significant body of historical textiles created across a wide geographic and chronological span, active from 1201 through 1601. These works encompass artifacts produced during the Gothic and early Renaissance periods, reflecting the diverse material cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and the various Italian city-states. While the specific authorship of individual pieces is generally unknown, these surviving textiles provide crucial insight into the artistic traditions, trade networks, and weaving methodologies of the period.

Fifteen textiles attributed to Italy or Spain are currently represented in museum collections, confirming their status as museum-quality historical objects. The Art Institute of Chicago holds a documented selection of these works, which are typically preserved as fragments due to their age and historical usage. Specific entries recorded in the institution’s database include individual items titled Fragment, and groupings noted as Two Fragments.

These surviving pieces are integral to the study of early textile production, often demonstrating the complex pattern execution and dyeing techniques characteristic of the era's luxury goods. The historical significance of this long-standing textile tradition means that detailed photographic documentation related to Italy or Spain prints and artifacts is increasingly available in the public domain, allowing institutions and researchers access to high-quality prints for non-commercial study.