A fine polychrome silk and metal-thread embroidered chalice veil, European, possibly English, first half 17th century

One of the titles associated with Christ is Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World) and is often found applied to his devotional image, found particularly in northern Renaissance art and will be shown making the sign of benediction, whilst holding the orb which represents the earth, surmounted by a cross. The instruments of the passion are items symbolic of the Crucifixion and items Christ used in his victory against Satan. They include the following: a rooster, skull and cross bones, dice and Jesus' robe, swords, lance, reed, water pitcher and basin, holy grail/chalice, whip, lantern, hammer, pincer, pitcher/vessel of myrrh or vinegar, Titulus crusis/INRI (section of the true cross with the inscription IHRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex ludaeorum/Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews), sponge of a pole for vinegar and a shroud. Due to the subject matter it was likely to be used with red chasubles and vestments on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost in commemoration of the Lord's passion and feasts of the Apostles, Evangelists and Holy Martyrs. 

This is a particularly finely worked and striking textile. In the 17th/18th century the making of vestments and accessories followed the practices of the past and they were produced in different workrooms by professionals with specialist skills, for example gold work and figural work. By this time the figures, which were disappearing and the use of the IHS symbol became more prevalent. They were not only produced by workshops but by professional embroiderers, attached to monasteries and courts through Guilds. The names of these skilled embroiderers are not always recorded. The sacristans in the important churches were expected to mend, alter and renew vestments and make smaller chalice veils. The present example does seem to be a professionally worked veil.