Today, when the word "gothic" is used, it refers to the art and architecture of the 12th thru 16th centuries - rose windows and turrets, gargoyles and peaked arches. But there was a different Gothic before that - and this is a prime example of it.
This is an appareled amice we've made with the favourite motif of Recceswinth - better known as FLAVIUS RECCESWINTHUS REX GOTHORUM who ruled the Gothic Kingdom of Toledo over what is today Spain, Portugal, and Southern France between the years 653 and 672 of our common era.
This motive is repeated in a church he ordered be erected in honour of Saint John the Baptist after being healed by the waters of the locality; also, on his crown gifted ex voto to God, and a processional cross which are both today on public display by the Spanish State after being found buried in Guarrazar. A set of matching book-cover plates on an early version of his Liber Judicum, illuminted with the same motif on all pages with headings, and a signet ring with his effigy are also ext
ant in the patrimony of his descendants.
The amice apparel, really a stiff liturgical collar, we've made in blue and white recalling the sapphires and pearls of the jeweled pieces available from the Gothic King. Furthermore, it is embellished with small pearls, since it is a most festive garment to be used in a chapel of white marble, lapis lazuli and gilt-wood.
As you may notice, it resembles the appareled amice of St. Thomas Becket at Sens. Some version of that is hopefully - forthcoming.
Any takers? We do like a challenge!
This is lovely, did you make one?
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew. Yes, we made this one for the priest, with pearls, and 8 others without pearls for the deacon and subdeacon, as well as the 6 chapiers who sing at the choir on solemnities.
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