Royal & Noble
Royal & Noble
Property from the Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park
A silk and metal-thread Humeral veil, Italy, first quarter 17th century, and later
No reserve
Lot Closed
January 18, 06:02 PM GMT
Estimate
300 - 500 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property from the Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park
A silk and metal-thread Humeral veil, Italy first quarter 17th century, and later
applied with a central heavily worked and raised gilt-metal and red satin cartouche enclosing a chalice, applied to later diapered cream coloured panel, with 18th century metal braid attached to both vertical edges
approximately 70cm. high, 240cm. wide; 2ft. ⅗in. high, 7ft. ¹⁰⁄₄in. wide
A humeral veil (Humerale) is a long scarf like textile, usually around two and a half metres long by half a metre wide. It is draped around shoulders so that the ends cover the hands of the wearer. Traditionally is covered the hands when holding sacred items, such as the monstrance. From the 17th century onwards it was decorated to match the other vestments worn, as is part of the High Mass items worn. Any decoration applied to the centre would be seen by the congregation when the priest or sub-deacon wearing it faces the altar.