For those not familiar, the French style of this particular period can be characterized by a few signature 'tells'. First and foremost, the use of the Parisian cross on the back of the chasuble -- a Latin cross with a square shape found behind its axis. Next we have the use of religious symbols -- in this case, the dove of Pentecost found within the axis of the Cross of the chasuble as well as on the shield of the cope. Next we have cut of the vestments; specifically, the narrow back and front of the chasuble; in terms of the cope, the hood of the cope going over the shoulders and attaching at the front with clasps; and finally we have the spade or shovel end to the stole and maniple. Finally we have the materials themselves, a rich and lush velvet, a material that was wildly popular in France at this time. Each of these elements are absolutely indicative of the French tastes and style of this particular period and if you see them, you can be almost certain that what you are looking at was likely made in France during this particular period of time.
The fact that these are done in red and have the image of the dove of the Holy Spirit within them is entirely interchangeable of course. Designs like this could as easily be switched to another liturgical colour with another liturgical symbol placed on them, and one did often see that. But today's example are indeed in red and do include the symbol of the dove, thus making them a set destined for use during the time of Pentecost specifically, or for votive Masses of the Holy Spirit.
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| © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011 |
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| Photo: © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011 |
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| Photo: © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011 |
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| Photo: © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011 |
Just to show our readers how similar the style and character vestments such as these tend to have, here are two other Pentecost chasubles coming from the same period -- perhaps even made by the same manufacturer. The main distinguishing feature here are the character of the floral embroideries and in the second case, the use of a different galloon.
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Photo: © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011
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| Photo: © Corporation du tourisme et du patrimoine religieux de Québec 2011 |
Of course, this close similarity is also reflective of the fact that it is within this period (i.e. the late 1800's) that we start to enter into the realm of ready made and made to order 'catalogue vestments.' The natural result of this development is that a lot of vestments begin to look very similar with only slight variations.
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