Valance, Medium: silk, metal wrapped silk on linen Technique: couching, long armed cross, cross, double running, stem, and satin stitches on a plain weave foundation, Multicolor embroidery showing St Catherine, St Barbara, the Cross, the face of Christ, the sacred monogram, the symbols of the Evangelists, and the figures of monks and nuns. With the exception of individual details the design is symmetrical on a vertical axis. Pattern is divided into three compartments by four vertical bands of embroidery; two of a scrolling vine, two of the faces of cherubs. The bottom and sides of the cloth are trimmed with a five-strand braid of yellow silk to which tassels of colored silk are attached every two inches., Italy or Germany, early 17th century, embroidery & stitching, Valance