To my mind, there are two primary types of 'memento mori' requiem vestments that one can find in the history of these sorts of sets. One type, particularly exemplified within the Spanish tradition, is made up of highly ornate, embroidered designs; these sets are extraordinarily refined in their overall design conception and execution, falling into a classic southern Mediterranean baroque tradition. The second type is more 'rustic,' more 'earthy' one might say. These types of sets one seems to especially find in Central and Eastern European regions. To be clear, by rustic I do not mean that they are without quality, what I mean is that their imagery has a certain folk quality to them; something made in a more vernacular style. The set we are considering here today falls into this latter category and it is perhaps one of my own all time favourites as far as antique memento mori sets are concerned.
This particular set is comprised of a chasuble and cope (whether it ever had a dalmatic and tunicle, we do not know, but it is possible that it did not) and is located in Poland and dated to sometime within the eighteenth century. Today these pieces are on display in treasury of the Cathedral Basilica in Kielce, Poland.
Let's begin with the chasuble. The chasuble itself is characterized by a number of different symbolic elements. First and foremost, one is struck by the large IHS monogram in the centre, beneath which is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced. From the Sacred Heart we see drops of the Precious Blood dripping down onto three souls shown in the fires of purgatory -- symbolizing the cleansing power and relief provided by Christ's redemptive sacrifice (and by extension as well, by the Sacrifice of the Mass offered for the souls in purgatory). Around these we see four skull and crossbones, memento mori reminding us of our own mortality; these are surrounded by knotted bows which symbolize eternity. Two further memento symbols are also to be found, one of which being a broken, snuffed out candle, the other being a plant shown half alive and half dead. Both of these of course symbolize the transience of this earthly life and existence.
The front of the chasuble continues a number of the same themes as the back, while also including a Marian monogram and a rather charming crescent moon, shown in an anthropomorphized manner. This of course reminds one of the Blessed Virgin Mary's own role in acting as an intercessor for us.
Here too, for you consideration are some closer images of some of the specific embroidered details found on these two pieces.
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| The hood / shield of the cope |
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| Detail of one of the skull and crossbones, in this case, that found on the centre back of the cope |
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| Detail of the souls in purgatory found at the base of the chasuble |
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| Detail of the IHS monogram and Sacred Heart found on the chasuble |
We would like to thank the staff of the Muzeum Diecezjalne w Kielcach in Kielce, Poland, for their gracious time and assistance in furnishing these photos to LAJ for the benefit of our readers.
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