German or Spanish

Roman Catholic bishops and priests wore silk chasubles like this one to celebrate Mass. Fabrics made of silk and embroidered with threads wrapped in precious metals were among the most valuable items owned by individuals or the Church during the Renaissance. The embroidered cross applied to the back and front of this garment depicts various Apostles. Their feet are bare, in accordance with scriptural instruction to travel without purse, bag, or sandals. Many are also shown with a scallop shell, a symbol of pilgrimages made to the shrine of Saint James of Compostela in Spain.