Chasuble, stole and maniple

Unknown

1704 · Silk, linen, coral, metal, jet · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This set of priest's vestments- tabard-like Chasuble, Stole, and towelesque Maniple- is a very rare and beautiful survival of Sicilian coral-work (also appreciable at The Met in the statue robe 43.164). Associated with mystical power to protect its bearer when travelling on water, coral's rosy hues also symbolized the spilled blood of Christ, whose sacrifice- Christians believe- saved Humanity. Coral encrusted episcopal chapels in Monreale and Palermo, ornamenting devotional objects from crosses to book covers. Here, coral beads are nestled within virtuoso embroidery in a rich range of silver threads- wrapped, coiled, drawn and beaten- their various refractions of light achieving distinctive shimmering, calling upon a full range of embroidery techniques. Together, the design conjures the Dove of God, Christ-like pelicans piercing their breasts to feed their young, a majestic crown, and passion flowers.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1704

Medium

Silk, linen, coral, metal, jet

Culture

Italian, Sicily

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, 1927