Set of Gloves #3
The third set of gloves is also documented to be approximately 1520 Spain. It’s another pair of ivory/gilt knit gloves, but much more complicated in design than the first set. These gloves are 11 13/16 inches by 5 3/4 inches. There are 5 different patterns on the fingers and thumbs, perhaps to portray rings that would otherwise be displayed without the gloves on. I’m curious to do research into what each of the individual patterns indicate. Why is there a laurel pattern on the index fingers versus the offset diamonds on the second and fourth? The same IHS symbol is knit into the back of both hands and this set has an almost Baroque pattern in the cuff, edged with metallic gimp threads. The director held the gloves up and was able to show that this set is fully lined in a pale green/blue silk; likely to protect the gilt threads as well as to protect the bishop’s hands. I’m seeing the construction of the fingertips coming to a much sharper point than the other