Part of a chasuble

Unknown

16th century · Silk and metal thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This is a fragment surviving from a Roman Catholic priest's vestment– the tabard-like Chasuble worn over an alb and other clothing while conducting church services. The two velvets of which it is composed are very fine: the glossy red velvet of the ground is decorated with the inferriata or ferronerie style, imitating the curlicues of ironwork; the central partial "orphrey" is a rich cloth of gold, incorporating multiple heights of bouclé loops, and lancé detailing. Although both velvets have been much patched and carefully repaired over the centuries, attesting to this vestment's prized status, the overall effect of this piece is still very beautiful.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Samuel H. Kress, 1946