We have shown quite a number of vestments from the 18th century, but today I wished to show one that is a bit unique compared to others from the period. The example in question comes from The Embroidered Heaven which is focused on historical vestments from the Vilnius archdiocese in Lithuania and specifically comes from the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Tabariškės. Here is what they have to say about the period in general:
The spirit of Rococo is particularly well reflected in eighteenth-century patterned silk fabrics from the weaving mills of France, above all Lyon, whose ornaments and colours were adopted by acupictors. The distinctive features of this style are light pastel colours, swirling flower garlands and diagonally meandering “rivers”. In the third quarter of the 18th century, the taste in decorative arts inclined towards classics with a predilection for clear architectural lines and a renewed interest in motifs of classical antiquity.As far as this specific example is concerned, the colours are indeed of the beautiful pastel variety so indicative of the period in question -- which always sets these examples apart from later one's. However, what is rather unique in this particular example are the galloons that are used. The chasuble itself relies on a simple pastel fabric of purple with embroideries depicting the crucifixion and the instruments of the Passion -- thus making it likely for use specific use during Septuagesima and especially Lent.
Here are a few closer details of the embroidered work:
