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Shawl (Rebozo)

late 18th century

Not on view

Rebozos are long rectangular shawls that were adapted by Mexican women from Spanish dress. On this rebozo, embroidered scenes depict Xochimilco, a favorite Mexico City park where citizens drifted in flower-covered boats among the famous ancient “floating gardens.” More uncommon are the scenes of interiors featuring upholstered European-style cabriole-legged chairs and tea services. These scenes depict the range of colonial society—from individuals sporting chic French-inspired fashions to liveried servants. A Jesuit priest appears in a number of vignettes. His long blue silk scarf wafting in the breeze, he enjoys the company of a lady, who in one scene removes and displays her own rebozo.

Shawl (Rebozo), Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread, Mexico — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Shawl (Rebozo), Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread, Mexico

Shawl (Rebozo), Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread, Mexico

Shawl (Rebozo), Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread, Mexico

Shawl (Rebozo), Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread, Mexico

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Shawl (Rebozo)

Date: late 18th century

Culture: Mexico

Medium: Silk embroidered with cotton, silk, and metal-wrapped thread

Dimensions: 30.5 x 93.7 in (77.5 x 238.1 cm)

Credit Line: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. George W. Childs Drexel, 1939

The Met

The American Wing at The Met

The American Wing's ever-evolving collection comprises some 20,000 works by African American, Euro American, Native American, and Latin American artists, ranging from the colonial to early-modern period.