Chasuble

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This chasuble– the priest's tabard-like garment worn over the alb and other clothing whilst leading church services– speaks to the nineteenth century's love of medieval art. Its bold patterning and palette evoke the diaper- and knotwork patterns found throughout gothic art and architecture. However, on closer inspection, the embroidery is simple and rudimentary; the metal thread is thick and low quality; and the strong colors, particularly the acidic yellow, were likely achieved with synthetic dyes.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art