VISUAL THEOLOGY

The principal vestment worn by a priest, bishop, or archbishop in the celebration of the Mass, a chasuble was usually made of the richest materials possible. The back view of this one shows three scenes embroidered directly on the velvet field: the Coronation of the Virgin, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Annunciation. They are placed within a framework of intertwining oak branches decorated with animal faces as well as hanging acorns completely fashioned from pearls. Underneath the shoulder seams can be seen the tails of what were originally parakeets. To the left of the Coronation, part of Saint Stephen is visible. The velvet background is still a rich red tone, and the gold embroidery is completely intact, but some of the original smaller figures were cut off or cut apart during a later remodeling.