Dalmatic.
France (?), middle of the 18th c. – 3rd quarter of the 18th c.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles in Vilnius.
Embroidery with metal and silk threads
In the third quarter of the 18th century, a characteristic ornamental motif of Rococo silk fabrics is diagonally meandering “rivers” with little flower bouquets growing from them. This motif is also used in embroidered vestments. The ornament of “rivers of lace” plaited with flowers separates the figures embroidered with straight stitches.
Other biblical scenes, images of saints
Patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament from Noah to John the Baptist are represented on the dalmatic. This detail refers to the miracle described in the book of Prophet Daniel: having refused to worship the golden statue placed by the king, the prophet’s friends were thrown into flames, but were saved by the angel of the Lord.
