Chasuble
1775/1825
Medium
Silk, plain weave; embroidered with gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk; embroidered in satin and stem stitches; edged with silk and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk, plain weave extended weft uncut fringe
Dimensions
134.7 × 78.2 cm (53 × 30 3/4 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
518
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of 18th- and early 19th-century textiles with this stunning chasuble, a sacred vestment worn by Catholic priests during Mass. Dating from 1775 to 1825, it exemplifies the lavish craftsmanship of religious garments from the late Baroque to Neoclassical periods, when churches commissioned intricate pieces to inspire devotion and reflect divine splendor. Measuring 134.7 × 78.2 cm, its generous size drapes elegantly over the shoulders, symbolizing the yoke of Christ. Crafted from silk plain weave, the chasuble is masterfully embroidered with gilt-metal-strip-wrapped si...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...