While we have our readers attention on some of the spectacular vestments that can be found in Nordic countries like Sweden, I would turn your attention to this gorgeous and unique red velvet cope that is dated to the fourteen or fifteenth century -- specifically to sometime between A.D 1350-1500.
This particular specimen is preserved in the collections of the Swedish Statens Historiska Museers (State Historical Museum) who rightly draw our attention to the beautiful red, pomegranate-patterned velvet; a velvet thought to have likely been sourced out of Italy.
The cope is itself includes a prominent (and uniquely pointed) shield containing an embroidered image of St. John the Baptist, shown holding a book on top of which is a Lamb, symbolizing Christ, the Incarnate Word and Lamb of God. Above this, we find an image of the face of the Christ as the Man of Sorrows, scourged and wearing a crown of thorns, surrounded on either side by two adoring angels.
The rest of the orphrey includes a plethora of saints that would have had particular devotional importance at this time and location, including St. Clement, St. Andrew, St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Lawrence.
Let's take a closer look.
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| Detail of the shield showing St. John the Baptist pointing to Christ, the Lamb of God and Incarnate Word of God |
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| St. Lawrence |
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| Detail, St. Lawrence holding a martyrs palm |
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| Detail, St. Lawrence's grille upon which he was martyred. |
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| St. Andrew the Apostle |
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| St. Bridget of Sweden |
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| Pope St. Clement |
Photo credits: Myrin, Ola. Historical Museum/SHM, (CC BY 4.0)
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