Chasuble

Unknown

18th century · Silk and metal thread · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This very well-preserved garment synergizes centuries' old Catholic practice with the machine age. This priest's vestment– a tabard-like chasuble intended to be worn over the alb and other clothing when conducting church services– is made out of a shiny, silver-shot machine-woven silk; the hand-embroidered floral elements continue a long tradition of superior, Italian needlework, although the palette is now garishly hued with synthetic sewing silks.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk and metal thread

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Susan Dwight Bliss, 1955