Chasuble

Unknown

17th century · Silk and metal thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This magnificent chasuble was made for Luigi d'Amato di Sciacca, who was elected Bishop of Agrigento in 1589: nestled within the tendrils of its design is his family's coat of arms, surmounted by a bishop's twelve-tasseled galero hat. Also in The Met's collection is a matching bishop's stole (22.16.8), chalice cover (22.16.9), and bourse (22.16.10). Clearly, no expense was spared in the creation of these vestments. On a ground of sumptuous coral-colored silk a plethora of different thicknesses and profiles of silver and gilded silver metal thread has been embroidered to represent scrolling foliage, articulated by passion flowers and pomegranates- Christian symbols evoking Christ's death on the cross, and the multitude of souls redeemed by this sacrifice. It is unlikely that Luigi ever got to wear this splendid garment, however, dying in 1590 before his episcopal ordination and consecration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Dr. Ernest G. Stillman 1922