Italian
Chasuble with Tulip and Fruit Pattern, about 1700-1725
Silk brocade, 104.1 x 75.2 cm (41 x 29 5/8 in.)
This richly patterned Italian chasuble is an outer garment worn by a Christian church officiant during a worship service. It covers the chest and back of the official from shoulders to mid-thigh. This one is made from floral patterned silk. It is sleeveless, open on both sides, and has a V shaped neckline. The fabric has yellow, orange/red, green, and gray stylized flowers and leaves against a pale pink background. The chasuble is bordered with gold gilt trim on the front and silver trim on the back. A narrower silver trim edging joins the floral silk to a yellow satin lining.
Raphael Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.