Four Superb Seventeenth Century Chalice Veils From the Cathedral of Florence

Chalice veils do not typically get a lot of attention where liturgical vestments are concerned. But chalice veils often present opportunities for some of the most eye-catching designs. In great part this is simply due their square shape and the corresponding ability to create beautifully mirrored, symmetrical designs that appeal to the eye due to their sense of harmony and order. 

Now modern day chalice veils tend to be relatively plain, often containing little more than a Greek cross toward the bottom of half of the veil. However, in earlier centuries, at least in the more important churches, these veils were not infrequently given as much attention and ornamentation, embroidery wise, as the primary vestments themselves.  To my mind, this is only fitting.

Today we are going to look at four such examples. Each of these four examples date to the seventeenth century, are Florentine in their manufacture, and all come from the collections of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore -- which is to say, they form a part of the cathedral treasury of the Duomo of Florence. 

Enjoy and do make certain to look closely at the various details and quality of the embroideries.

Florentine, ca. 1600-1624

In Latin around the needle-painted portrait of Christ: "EGO SUM PANIS VIVUS DE CELO DESCENDI" (I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven.)

Detail of the corner ornaments. 

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Florentine, ca. 1600-1699

The IHS monogram with a beautifully stylized sunburst around. IHS is an abbreviation for Jesus Christ or "Iesus Hominum Salvator" (Jesus, Savior of Mankind).

Detail of the corner ornaments, inclusive of beautifully needle-painted flowers in various colours.

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Florentine, ca. 1600-1699

A beautiful IHS monogram, surrounded by yellow and purple flowers as well as strawberries. Strawberries were sometimes used as symbols of purity.

Detail of the corner ornaments. 

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Florentine, ca. 1600-1624

Portrait of Christ with the text "IN MEAM COMMEMORATIONEM" ("In Memory of Me")

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