Chasuble back

This fragment originally formed the back of a garment worn, tabard-like, by a Catholic priest. It is of interest as an example of mid-range production. The well-preserved crimson red support is a stamped velvet– cheaper and considerably easier to produce than a true woven velvet whose pattern was achieved using supplementary wefts and warps of cut and uncut pile. Its design remains nicely legible, but the textile is thin and of middling quality. The needlework of the orphrey panel is likewise of serviceable but not virtuoso quality, and additionally suffers from very heavy-handed restoration. At top is the Virgin and Christ Child, in the center appears Mary Magdalene, beneath is Saint Andrew.

This chasuble back was originally attached to a chasuble front also in The Met's collection (14.134.6b) on which are represented John the Baptist and Saint Agatha.