{"product_id":"drap-de-cercueil","title":"FUNERAL PALL FOR A COFFIN — 19TH CENTURY","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBlack Velvet Funeral Pall with Silver-Thread Embroidery – 19th Century\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrance, circa 1850–1875\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRare and remarkable ceremonial funeral pall dating from the mid-19th century, also known as a coffin pall or coffin cloth, intended to cover the coffin during religious services and funeral ceremonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its impressive size, richness of decoration and quality of craftsmanship, this piece is an exceptional testament to 19th-century Christian funerary rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade of fine-quality black velvet, it is adorned with an elaborate decoration of silver-cloth appliqués, highlighted with cords and metallic threads and entirely hand-sewn. An elegant geometric composition, defined by woven metallic braids, structures the design around a large Latin cross extending across the entire surface of the textile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe whole is backed with an old canvas lining, also applied by hand, demonstrating the care devoted to its construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Rich \u003cem\u003eMemento Mori\u003c\/em\u003e Iconography\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe decoration presents a complete iconographic program devoted to the \u003cem\u003eMemento Mori\u003c\/em\u003e, inviting contemplation on the fragility of human existence and the Christian hope of Resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the motifs are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea crown of thorns enclosing the three nails of the Passion\u003c\/strong\u003e, symbolizing Christ's redemptive sacrifice and the promise of Resurrection;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etwo veiled funerary urns\u003c\/strong\u003e, powerful symbols of mourning, remembrance of the dead and the hope of eternal life;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etwo winged hourglasses\u003c\/strong\u003e, recalling the irreversible passage of time and the brevity of human existence;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enumerous stylized tears or flames\u003c\/strong\u003e, traditionally interpreted as tears of mourning, but also as the prayers of the living rising toward God;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elaurel wreaths\u003c\/strong\u003e surrounding the principal emblems, symbolizing victory over death, spiritual glory and the salvation of the soul.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe remarkable balance of this composition, combining the sobriety of black velvet with the subtle brilliance of the metallic appliqués, gives this textile work a particularly powerful presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFine Quality Craftsmanship\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed photographs reveal particularly meticulous workmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual motifs were separately cut from silver cloth, then applied and hand-sewn onto the velvet before being outlined with delicate metallic cord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe braids framing the composition are also antique and display fine-quality weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece demonstrates the work of a specialized workshop and was intended for significant liturgical use, probably for a parish, religious confraternity or ecclesiastical institution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVery good overall state of preservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe velvet retains a beautiful depth of color and presents extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver-cloth appliqués are remarkably complete and display an attractive antique patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNotable condition details include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea small tear to the velvet;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea tear to the lining (on the non-visible reverse);\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea few discreet traces of wax consistent with its liturgical use;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eminor fraying along some edges of the metallic appliqués, entirely consistent with the age of the piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, the piece remains exceptionally well preserved for a liturgical textile of this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSignificance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLarge 19th-century liturgical funeral palls are now among the most difficult religious textiles to find on the market. Many were destroyed, altered or dispersed during the 20th century, making complete surviving examples particularly sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its impressive dimensions, rich iconography, quality of the metallic appliqués and excellent state of preservation, this example is an important piece for a collection devoted to antique textiles, religious art, \u003cem\u003eMemento Mori\u003c\/em\u003e, funerary rites or a distinguished cabinet of curiosities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt also possesses a strong decorative presence, making it particularly suitable for a museum collection or an exceptional interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePERIOD:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 1850–1875\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDIMENSIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e 270 × 160 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIZE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 106.3\" × 63\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eMemento Mori\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe rich iconography of this funeral pall belongs fully to the Christian tradition of the \u003cem\u003eMemento Mori\u003c\/em\u003e — “remember that you will die.” Far more than a simple reminder of death, this symbolism invited the faithful to meditate upon the brevity of earthly existence and the preparation of the soul for eternal life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe winged hourglasses represent the inexorable passage of time, while the funerary urns recall the common destiny of all mankind. The tears express both the grief of the living and prayers for the dead, while the laurel wreaths evoke the faithful soul's victory over death. Finally, the crown of thorns surrounding the monogram of Christ places the entire composition under the sign of the Passion and the promise of Resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough this profoundly theological iconography, the funeral pall served not merely to cover the coffin: it became a true object of meditation for those attending the ceremony, reminding them that death, in the Christian tradition, represents a passage toward the hope of eternal life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RELICS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56967952695622,"sku":"991","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0664\/4986\/6987\/files\/FUNERAL-PALL-FOR-A-COFFIN-19TH-CENTURY-RELICS.jpg?v=1791383273","url":"https:\/\/relics.es\/en\/products\/funeral-pall-for-a-coffin-19th-century","provider":"RELICS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}