The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los Cielos) is host to many fine elements of liturgical art, not least of which its impressive collection of sacred vestments. We are fortunate that a selection of these vestments were published in 2007 in 2007 in Hilos del Cielo: Las Vestiduras de la Catedral Metropolitana de Mexico. The following are a small selection of vestments taken from that publication -- which in turn is only a small selection of what the cathedral's treasury actually boasts. which includes 540 sets in white/gold, 354 in red, 147 in green, 191 in violet, 219 in black and 124 in blue.
As you might expect, many of the vestments are of Spanish influence and design, but the vestments of the cathedral are witness to a variety of other influences as well, including more typically Italianate vestments, those of French manufacture, and others with materials coming from the Orient and India.
The cathedral itself took its treasury of sacred vestments so seriously that it has had a formalized role, the "Master of Liturgical Vestments" which individual, to fill the role, had to have obtained the rank of a Master Embroiderer. There is a practical reason for this as this role was not only to take charge of the care and maintenance/repair of the historical vestments of the cathedral, but also for the commissioning of new works.
With that in mind, here is a quick look at just a few of the impressive works to be found here. Please see the comments below each photo for further information.
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| Manufactured in Seville at the end of the 18th century. The central embroidery of this beautiful silver set depicts the Assumption, while the dalmatic and tunicle contain representations of the Marian symbols of the Tower of Ivory and House of Gold. |
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| Manufactured in France in 1898 with imagery of Our Lady of Guadalupe. |
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| This cope was made for the cathedral and contains imagery of the Assumption accordingly, as well as a depiction of the papal tiara and keys.. It was manufactured in Toledo, Spain and presumably of 18th century vintage. |
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| Also manufactured in Toledo, this time in 1772, it comes from the workshop of one Michael Modero. |
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| This pare of rare blue pontifical sandals was manufactured in France in the 19th century. They are an early example of mechanical embroidery. |
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| This red velvet dalmatic was produced in Mexico in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. The image shown depicted is that of the tablets of the Ten Commandments. |
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| Also manufactured in Mexico in the 19th century, there are at least two versions of this design at the cathedral, this shown in violet and another in white. Both are set on silk lame and show clear Italian influences in the design. |
For those of you who are interested in this topic, I would certainly highly encourage you to source out the aforementioned publication noted at the beginning of this article. Suffice it to say, a complete catalogue and publication of the entire contents of this sacristy would certainly be a most welcome and valuable record should it ever be produced.
