I was thinking recently that I hadn't spent a great deal of time, to date, showcasing contemporary Borromean or so-called "Neri" style chasubles -- that is, the chasubles that came after the middle ages and before the baroque, sitting (by varying degrees) half way between those two periods in terms of their particular shape.
Perhaps a part of the reason for this is that, in my experience to date, they often tended to look best either when laid flat (so that you could see their elegant, bell-like shape) or when they were depicted in paintings (which allowed some idealization and correction by the painter); in liturgical use, however, they didn't always come across quite as well -- which is where it really matters of course.
Well, recently one of these chasubles was commissioned from Sacra Domus Aurea and I came across some photos of it in liturgical use and I was very pleased to see that it was not only appealing when laid flat...
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| The beautiful bell-like shape of this period of chasuble |
The example shown here once again demonstrates the strengths of well made, properly tailored, bespoke vestments -- the end result of which is a nice compromise between the strengths of the baroque and the gothic in this particular instance. As for this style more generally, I believe that these 16th-17th century inspired shapes require an individually tailored quality if they are to truly shine as you see here.
For those who want more information on the designer and maker of the vestments, visit Sacra Domus Aurea.
Photos: Chris Moore / Beaumont Enterprise
