Today I wished to share a chasuble which has its origins in Venice. The orphrey itself is dated to the early sixteenth century (circa 1500-1520) while the rest of the chasuble is dated to the eighteenth. However, the reason I thought to share this chasuble today is because …
The Potentialities for Colour in Vestment Design
Today I wished to share a chasuble which has its origins in Venice. The orphrey itself is dated to the early sixteenth century (circa 1500-1520) while the rest of the chasuble is dated to the eighteenth. However, the reason I thought to share this chasuble today is because …
The Forgotten Art of Bullion Embroidery
Adam Blawat of Benedicamus in Poland has shared with us these images of works from their studio, fashioned in gold bullion metal thread. Indeed, this is a very rare sight today. I have seen some contemporary work like this in not too many other places. Examples are somet…
Some Unique Designs in the Frontispieces of the Missale Romanum
Look at your typical frontispiece of a traditional Missale Romanum (the Roman Missal) and most of us will be accustomed to seeing the textual elements of this title page accompanied by some sort of art. Frequently this is an illustration of the Last Supper or a Crucifixion,…
Another Case Study in Colour and Detail: St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, Iowa
E cclesiastical Studio and Sons recently shared a project that they participated in at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, Iowa. Built at the end of the nineteenth century, between 1890-91, the cathedral underwent some early renovations in the 1920's and 1940's but …
The Vesperale - Reviving a Forgotten Tradition
This is impressive - such precise measurement and skill. Saint Martha's Guild does amazing work. Here is a recent example from their studio in Chicago, a custom vesperale. I have always said every altar needs one of these (it serves a very real and practical purpose,…
A Brief Survey of Some Recent Vestment Work
While we have covered off some recent architectural projects of some of our contemporary liturgical arts, it has been awhile since we have surveyed some contemporary vestment works. With that in mind, let's survey some of the most recent work done by our collaborators …
Lost Romanitas: The Virgula Poenitentiaria -- Or Penitential Wand / Rod
Recently one of our readers contacted LAJ with a question. They had come across a reference to a "penitential wand" that was ceremonially used in Rome. Naturally mentions of a "wand" beget notions of the occult in our modern understanding and use of that…
Traditions of the Lateran Archbasilica: The Portable Altars of Pius IX
The Lateran Archbasilica should be on everyone's pilgrim map. It is the highest ranking church in Rome, it is the oldest public church in Rome, and it is the oldest basilica in the West. The Lateran is unique for many reasons. It holds the rare title of "Archbas…
The Two Facades of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome
In a recent article we explored how paintings can provide an insight in the history of vestment design, the textiles used, the cuts employed, the decoration and so forth. But paintings can show more than just the history of sacred vestments; they can also be utilized to un…
The Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome
Rome is a city filled with churches and these churches are all worth visiting in their own right. However, there were seven churches in particular which have been traditionally and historically singled out. This tradition is attributed to none other than St. Philip Neri, of…
The Possibilities of the Parisian Cross on a Gothic Revival Cut
The origins of the so-called "Parisian" cross (see above), which was particularly popular in 19th and 20th century French vestment work, has frequently interested me. Frequently it is thought of as being unique to this period and shape of vestment, but in point of…
The Altar Vase - Examples from the 18th Through 20th Centuries
There was a time, not so very long ago, when every facet of the liturgy was given a particular attention to detail. This encompassed not only the rites themselves but went down even to such elements as the flowers placed upon the altar. Because of the dignity of the altar, …
New Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine (Archdiocese of Oklahoma City)
A fascinating new shrine is under construction in Oklahoma City (Archdiocese of Oklahoma City). It has been designed by our good friends at Franck & Lohsen Architects in Washington, D.C. with ADG as the associate architect, based in Oklahoma City. The Spanish Mission …
The Last Tiara Used in a Papal Coronation (Made by Scuola Beato Angelico in Milan)
Recently while in Washington, D.C. for the 49th March for Life I was pleased to see once again the papal tiara of Paul VI. This tiara was the last one that was used for the coronation of a pope. I make a point to see it every time I am in DC not because I like this versio…
New Reredos at St. Francis de Sales Oratory in Louisiana Made by Monks of Clear Creek Abbey
The wonderful community of St. Francis de Sales in Sulphur, Louisiana (Diocese of Lake Charles) has a beautiful new Spanish style baroque reredos that was just installed in their sanctuary. The reredos measures 24 feet tall, 18 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. It is a custom m…
Flora and Fowl: An Eighteenth Century Antependium from France
Today I wanted to briefly share an eighteenth century antependium which recently caught my attention. The antependium in question is located in France -- though it is certainly possible that it was produced elsewhere. What particularly drew my attention to this particular a…
Frescoed Domes of Rome and Florence
One of the most fascinating bits of sacred architecture are invariably the domes of those churches which have them. They not only present opportunities for the manifest beauty of geometry to shine forth, they also make for potentially spectacular canvases, whether for archi…
New Mosaics and Mural work at St Michael’s Abbey, California
We've been following, with interest, the developments taking place at St. Michael's Abbey. Almost two years ago we detailed the architecture and today we turn our attention to the newly installed decoration scheme which is comprised of mosaics as well as murals.
Th…
Two Reliquaries of the Native American Missions
In the past we have discussed reliquary designs ranging from the reliquary bust , figures to other anthropomorphized forms . Today I would like to present two rather unique forms of the same that come within the context of the Martyrs' Shrine in Canada which commemorates …
Eighteenth Century Stations of the Cross in the Baroque Church of St. Ulrich, Seeg, Germany
If you look at your typical series of Stations of the Cross in many parishes, they can frequently tend to be a rather lack-lustre affair. They frequently tend to be sculptural reliefs done in plaster, wood or metal, or occasionally framed prints. Regrettably, in many places…
