Chasuble

The chasuble is the principal and most visible of the vestments used by the priest at the celebration of Mass. Worn over the alb, it could be red, white, green, violet or black according to the liturgical season. It was originally related to the Roman penula, a sort of wide cape worn by lay men and women, as well as by priests, as protection against the cold. At the beginning of the Middle Ages the chasuble was still cut in a circle with an opening in the middle for the head. It was only later, during the 17th and 18th centuries, that it took on its present form. This white silk chasuble is embroidered in gold thread with palm leaf motifs and stylized red carnations. In the centre, a silk and gold embroidered pineapple is visible. Orphreys (decorative bands) are not present, though the field is divided by two gold galloons, which also decorate the upper part in a ‘V’ shape. The garment is finished in a gold galloon.