The Hildesheim Cope

This cope has a fascinating, albeit gruesome, depiction of saints undergoing various forms of martyrdom. All sorts of infamous medieval torture methods are represented such as flaying (of St Bartholomew), roasting (of St Lawrence), several crucifixions (among others St Peter), variations of stabbings, clubbings and beheadings (most famously St Thomas Becket).

Each saint is within a roundel. These roundels intersect with each other so as to form six-pointed star shapes, separated by spaces between the points of oval shape. In these small spaces there are blue dragons with red wings and at each point of the star shape are appliqued golden rosettes. Embroidery in polychrome silks and couched gold thread, entirely covers the linen background. Compared with known examples of contemporary Opus Anglicanum, this German work is rather naive and not as finely executed.

In the later 19th century the cope was in the collection of a Bishop of Hildesheim who had an interest in medieval art.