A Solemn Easter Chasuble Produced by the Ursulines of Quebec in the Early 1700's

In previous articles we have shared the incredible embroidery work of Mother Marie Lemaire des Anges of the Ursuline Convent of Quebec and had noted that she had passed this tradition down to her younger sisters whom she apprenticed in this art. In that vein, and to continue on with our exploration of their incredible works of liturgical art, today I wanted to share with our readers a chasuble which was embroidered, if not by Mother Marie herself, then by one or more of her younger Ursuline apprentices. 

Interestingly, it hadn't been known for certain whether this was, in fact, a work of the convent until the original patterns for the works were discovered in the convent's archives, giving us a rare insider's view of how these beautiful objects are planned and constructed at that time:

The chasuble was produced sometime in the first quarter of the eighteenth century and includes various design elements typical to the period. The French influence can be particularly felt in the Latin cross found on the back of the chasuble as well as the Agnus Dei symbol placed within its axis. Surrounding this are needle-painted floral motifs, including roses, lilies, carnations, daffodils and tulips, as well as acanthus leaves and strawberry. The IHS Christogram is also found on the front.

Here are some closer details, beginning with the Lamb with its fleece made of silver cannetille, lying upon the book with seven seals mentioned in the Book of Revelation: 

The IHS monogram (meaning "Iesus Hominem Salvator" -- Jesus Saviour of Men):

Mother Marie's handiwork can be particularly observed in the beautiful needle-painted flowers for which she and her convent would become particularly known:

Photos: Catherine Levesque 2021, © Le Monastère des Augustines

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