Royal & Noble
Royal & Noble
Property from the Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park
A silk damask humeral veil, with 'The Lamb of God', Italy, 17th 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 damask humeral veil, with 'The Lamb of God', Italy, 17th and later
the centre applied with a metal-thread golden glory (circle of rays to surround and show a holy symbol or object), enclosing a velvet, silk and metal-thread medallion with the 'Lamb of God', against an ivory damask panel, the vertical edges with metal fringing, all edges applied with gold braid
approximately 55cm. high, 226cm. wide; 1ft. ⁹⁄₆in. high, 7ft. ⁴⁄₉in. 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.