Chalice Veil c. 1600

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mixed-media, fibre-art, textile

pattern heavy

natural stone pattern

mixed-media

fibre-art

naturalistic pattern

medieval

pattern

textile

pattern background

ethnic pattern

organic pattern

england

pattern repetition

textile design

decorative-art

layered pattern

combined pattern

Dimensions: 22 1/2 x 22 1/2 in. (57.15 x 57.15 cm)

Curator: Alright, let's talk about this, "Chalice Veil," circa 1600. It resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and well, it's striking. Editor: Oh, it's captivating! It reminds me of grandma's old handkerchief, something profoundly gentle, but infused with intricate symbolism, almost like a whispered prayer captured in thread. Curator: Indeed. Crafted in England, its mixed-media construction showcases fine textile work. The patterns aren’t just decoration. See how the "pattern heavy" aspect uses a combined layered pattern and a background of patterns! The anonymous artisan employed fibre art, giving the object a medieval decorative touch. Editor: The geometric interplay… Those sunburst medallions juxtaposed with floral motifs—there's a compelling dialogue happening there, wouldn’t you say? And those initials are definitely more than a pattern. Curator: Ah, the initials "IHS" and "MRA" are of central symbolic relevance within a religious context. Look at the placement of these religious acronyms surrounding that solar burst figure – really the artist makes a theological assertion with textile. Editor: I imagine each stitch holding not just fabric, but history, faith, a longing. Maybe someone, long ago, poured their soul into making it! I just can't get past how the creator combined those religious acronyms. Its a really beautiful effect with a sort of repeated combination... ethnic pattern with layered naturalistic patterns… lovely… Curator: Well, the English certainly left their cultural stamp on its artistic features. Editor: Knowing its intended to veil a chalice definitely affects how you interact with it... what emotions must it evoke to use something so beautiful for something holy... it is thought-provoking, but a lot more I suppose. Curator: It invites contemplation and shows the intricate connection between material culture, artistic talent, and human faith. Editor: Yes. Ultimately, "Chalice Veil" evokes a feeling of transcendence – where faith is interwoven and presented.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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This chalice veil, used to cover the chalice during the mass, was probably made sometime in the early part of the seventeenth century. The overall patterning and general concept of the design are reflective of the Elizabethan style of the mid-to late-sixteenth century. The raised-work embroidery of the peas, pea pods, grapes, and flowers, as well as the rather whimsical placement of butterflies and caterpillars, anticipates the exaggerated raised needlework of the mid-1600s. This textile was made to be used, and over time that use has taken its toll. The background silk satin material has fractured in several areas. In order to preserve the fabric, the veil has been couched with silk threads to a new ground cloth which has been secured to a ridged background to prevent further deterioration. The brick like texture is a result of this treatment. Magnification also revealed the remains of peacock feathers in the worms along the outer border, indicating these were originally plumed caterpillars.