This antique alb (camice) of Pope Pius IX caught my attention in the Treasury Museum of St. Peter's Basilica. I naturally thought readers might like to see it and so here are a few images. It probably dates from sometime around the 1870s or even before. The cuffs are interesting to see as is the delicate quality of the lace tooling and the linen griccia pattern. This sort of thing is a rare sight, even in Rome. A fascinating glimpse of nineteenth century quality work. The papal arms on the cuffs are a nice touch (partly visible). Just think how many years this has been hanging in the sacristy of St. Peter's, kept in pristine condition for future generations to admire. Perhaps one day high-level quality craftsmanship like this will make a return to the papal sacristy.
