Imitated textiles in fresco painting of the 15th and 16th centuries in the North of Portugal - study of a pattern

Abstract

Imitated textiles in fresco painting of the 15th and 16th century in the North of Portugal should be inserted into a broader context – one of a decorative nature and with the ability to imitate other materials and equipment. That role takes on several aspects, from the existence of independent decorative compositions with diverse languages where the grotesque has a significant presence as well as the imitation of masonry, retables and textiles. An example is the second plane of figurative compositions, altar fronts and imitating textiles hanging on the walls of the chancel, some with the evident intention of creating an illusion. It is clear that many of the patterns in this textile imitation had as a reference real period textiles, or even from an earlier period. We present the case of a specific pattern and its occurrence in a restricted area of the Portuguese and Spanish territory, near the border with Zamora.

Keywords

• 16th century
• Imitated textiles