This particular vestment comes form the first half of the seventeenth century (1600-1650) and is located in the diocesan museum of Trent -- the location of the well known Council of Trent. The most prominent figure found here, which is found on the back of the chasuble (and thus that which would be most visible within the course of the liturgy as traditionally celebrated) is the image of the Virgin and Child being crowned by two angels and surmounted by the image of the dove representing the Holy Spirit. On the front we also find a rare depiction of the God the Father. In addition to these, we also find figures of angels depicted playing the lute, harp and flute. Apart from these main figurative embroideries, we also find a very rich array of naturalistic elements within the design, including cherries and strawberries, red carnations, roses, lilies of the valley, hyacinths, fruit baskets, lilies, daffodils, tulips, pansies, carnations and irises.
The net result of this design is, I think, a very sophisticated design that has particularly Marian overtones while the delicate nature of the embroideries is indicative of the tastes and styles of sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. With all the said, let's take a look.
Of course, to really appreciate the quality of the embroideries, we need to focus in on some details.
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