Back part of a chasuble

White satin chasuble, entirely decorated with embossed applied embroidery, achieved with various layers of wool and linen taffeta, using polychrome silks and gold thread. The embroidery is made with encroaching and satin stitches and laid gold, plus appliqués of tiny pearls, piping, sequins and metallic plating. It has braiding, also embroidered in gold thread on a parchment support. The lining is of raw linen taffeta and ochre satin.

The ornamental design on the front of the chasuble consists of a large chalice with the symbols of the Eucharist: ears of wheat and grapes. The dove of the Holy Spirit and the pelican stand out on the back. The reason for this -and our justification for showing the back of the chasuble on the picture- is that at that time the priest would give mass with his back to the congregation. This is why the back is richer and more embellished because it is what the faithful saw when attending the service.

Baroque embroidery became an eminently decorative art used as a symbol of power in the service of the declarations of the Council of Trent and it contributed to giving greater grandeur to liturgical celebrations through the richness of ornaments.