Costume and Textiles Chasuble Made in Italy, EuropeMid- 18th century Artist/maker unknown, Italian Silk satin weave embroidered with silk, silver, and gilt thread in couched filling, split, outline, satin, long and short, padded satin, and couching stitches and French knots Currently not on view 1942-33-12 Gift of Thomas B. Wanamaker, Jr. and Archibald G. Thomson from the Thomas B. Wanamaker Collection, 1942 |
LabelChasubles—the outermost robes worn by priests when celebrating mass—have been in use since at least the sixth century. Ornate vestments were considered appropriate for religious ceremonies; they were often donated by wealthy individuals wishing to display their devotion. This chasuble would have been commissioned from a professional embroiderer; its back portrays the attributes of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, including (from top) the tower of David, the closed gate, the spotless mirror, a well, a fountain, and a cedar of Lebanon. |
