Chasuble

The elegant formal design of blossoms and leaves in this woven silk is especially suitable for chasubles, liturgical vestments worn over albs with lace flounces and cuffs. Its small detailed ornament is reminiscent of prestigious lace, and is known as “lace pattern.” The division of the surface into three panels reflects the outmoded fashion of highlighting a different fabric in the center, often with religious images, called orphrey bands. In another change of ecclesiastical fashion, woven silks, such as this splendid example in the style of King Louis XIV (ruled 1638–1715) of France, were replaced during the early 1700s by embroidered decoration, which dominates in this exhibition.