The best way to break down and generalize the styles of these centuries is as follows. Seventeenth century embroidery work tends to be extremely delicate, fine and busy -- think small curvilinear repeating patterns all over the body of a vestment. In the eighteenth century, the designs remained highly intricate but their linear qualities became bolder. In the nineteenth century we saw these designs simplify into less busy patterns that were either done using very fine, almost seventeenth century like linear qualities (this was especially seen in Italy), or they might be bold -- like in the eighteenth century examples -- which was an approach we common saw in France.
It is the latter to which this next set of vestments by Sacra Domus Aurea falls. The set in question is their Sacred Heart of Jesus set which the atelier describes as a "Missa Cantata set, comprised of a Italianate cut chasuble and cope. This particular set utilizes a luscious, textured, yellow gold pure silk damask, a fabric which (we cannot overstate) looks even more beautiful in person than any photo can possibly capture. The burgundy red velvet inserts that we have paired with this beautiful silk has been ornamented with elegant, 19th century French inspired embroidered designs, inclusive of meandering acanthus leaves, roses and other flowers as well as images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The end result is an echo of the 19th century and a synthesis of both French as well as Italian stylistic features, sure to beautify and contribute to the dignity of the sacred liturgy."
This is a style of vestment we seldom seen being created in current times and so we definitely wanted to have an opportunity to present it to our readers.
