Roman Influence
The Brick Stamp of Emperor Theodoric. This object, a brick stamp represents the Emperor Theoderic, specifically Theoderic the Great, from the Aurelian Wall, which he did repairs on. The Aurelian Wall, which was built between 271 AD and 275 AD, under the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Probus, surrounded Rome’s famous Seven Hills as well as the Campus Martius, a field where the Pantheon was constructed. In the 6th Century, Theoderic arranged for its restoration, and the wall was subsequently restored by a number of medieval popes. It is thought that this brick stamp, made of terracotta brick, symbolizes these restoration efforts.
Blue velvet. This piece of deep blue velvet has been cut and voided, and a bit tattered. Nonetheless, it retains is pomegranate motif, indicative of the style and level of production of silk and velvet in Italy. It comes from 15th century, and is, in a sense, a Renaissance object. As it turns out, at this time, Italy was a major player in the development and transition of fashion, though eventually many European countries adopted the fashion tastes of the Spanish court by the early 16th century.