Two sets of 'cloths-of-gold' chasubles and accessories, Italian, 19th century and later

These set of vestments being gold, which like white, was a colour of vestment worn by the priest, regardless of liturgical season or celebration. They would be worn during Christmas and Easter, as representing purity is symbolic of Christ's birth and resurrection. When worn for funeral rites or eulogies it is worn to commemorate the life of the deceased rather than their death. The Nineteenth century was a low point in the glorious history of vestment making. The Napoleonic Wars followed on from a time when there was general disapproval of the luxury of the church. There was little encouragement for new designs and ideas, and although vestments were made, they used past motifs. The style became simpler and even the grander vestments kept to a less cluttered design approach, even if covered in raised gold work. The wheat ears and grape vines, symbolising the bread and wine of the Communion became the most prominent design.