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Gonfalonier's robe and cap

Manifattura fiorentina e pratese 1857

This purple damask robe is one of the examples of the magistral robes - in addition to six gowns and seven caps - held in the municipal collections. A valuable historic artefact, these robes were reserved for public functions, and were clearly defined so that they could be easily recognised by the citizens, for example during ceremonies or processions.

Technical information

Author: Manifattura fiorentina e pratese
Title: Gonfalonier's robe and cap
Date: 1857
Material and technique: Taffeta moiré
Size
Location: Palazzo Pretorio Museum
Ground Floor

From the second half of the 15th century, archive documents show that there were specific instructions on the type of clothes to be worn by those who held public office: cloaks, gowns (or overcoats), rich and abundant red or black surcoats. Over the centuries, such robes would be embellished, as in this case, by additional decorations such as golden tassels. The garment displayed here is a 19th-century adaptation of a dress from the previous century, which was adorned with a crimson velvet cap.