The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Chasuble

Chasuble

1675–99
Silk and metallic threads on silk tabby sewn down on a linen tabby ground; embroidery
Overall: 116.9 x 78.1 cm (46 x 30 3/4 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1971.235
Location: not on view

Description

This rare chasuble decorated with angels, musicians, pomegranates, and flowers represents Sacred and Profane Love. This is indicated by two figures—a clear-sighted figure embracing a blindfolded figure—standing on a globe in the upper center and also by the musicians. The angels play soft-sounding instruments (harpsichords, harps, viole da barccio, and flutes) while earthy figures play loud instruments (tambours and hunting horns). The chasuble was most likely part of a liturgical set commissioned for a wedding. This entire chasuble is embroidered with silk and metal thread laid over linen and stitched in place. The exceptionally fine workmanship, lavish use of gold and silver, and brilliant silk thread create this sumptuous vestment.
  • (Blumka Gallery, New York).
  • Wardwell, Anne E. "Love's a Good Musician." The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 60, no. 10 (1973). p. 283-91 25152502.
    Mayer-Thurman, Christa C., John Maxon, Aidan Kavanagh, Donald L. Garfield, and Horace T. Allen. Raiment for the Lord's Service: A Thousand Years of Western Vestments. Chicago: Art Institute, 1975. p. 186-7, no. 78, illus
    The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1978. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1978. Reproduced: p. 165 archive.org
  • Opulent Fashion in the Church. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 19, 2016-October 2, 2017).
    Lutes, Lovers, and Lyres: Musical Imagery in the Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 14-June 11, 1989).
    Raiment for the Lord's Service, A Thousand Years of Western Vestments. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL (November 11, 1975-January 18, 1976).
  • {{cite web|title=Chasuble|url=false|author=|year=1675–99|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1971.235