Band with Figures of Women and Angels

1500s-1600s

Band with Figures of Women and Angels, 1500s-1600s. Italy, 16th-17th century. Bleached linen: needle lace, filet/lacis (knotted ground and darned in two directions); overall: 42.6 x 144.3 cm (16 3/4 x 56 13/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Myrta Leonora Jones 1920.1272 Likely a religious scene, female figures bear crosses on their chests facing angels playing a keyboard instrument. Later piecing and repairs have distorted the appearance of the central figure to that of a double-tailed mermaid. The top part of her dress has been replaced with an extra bust and set of arms. This is especially visible when comparing the bottom of her dress with the dresses of the far left and far right figures. Horizontal writing along the towers can be deciphered as Ave Maria, gratia plena, translated from Latin as Hail Mary, full of grace.