Spain
Chasuble
15th century
Silk and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk, plain weave with 
supplementary facing wefts; orphrey: linen, plain 
weave; embroidered with silk, linen and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk
131.8 x 73.4 cm
Gift of Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard Ely Danielson, 1948.129

A chasuble is the sleeveless outer garment worn by priests at the Catholic Mass. On the front and back of this example are narrow embroidered panels called orphreys. The figures of saints appear on the front orphrey and on the back you will find Mary and the Christ Child. What designs surround the orphreys? Skilled needleworkers created—and still create—chasubles and other vestments used in celebration of the Mass.