Languages of Baroque / Models and ornaments; materials and techniques

The constant interaction of various materials and techniques in architecture, and competition between sculpture and painting in achieving more convincing visual illusion and eliciting the amazement of audiences, found its counterpart in the applied arts.

The constant interaction of various materials and techniques in architecture, and competition between sculpture and painting in achieving more convincing visual illusion and eliciting the amazement of audiences, found its counterpart in the applied arts. The art of gold embroidery – elaborately embroidered religious objects and clothing – in the age of Baroque, competed with painting and sculpture as well. An amazing example of such a work is the Holy Sepulchre from Zagreb Cathedral Treasury, with a figurative repertoire made after plastic and graphic models. Liturgical vessels and reliquaries are made in countless imaginative variations of elaborate designs and precious materials, being the very essence of style.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Holy Sepulchre1659 Zagreb Cathedral Treasury
Zagreb, North-West Croatia, Croatia
The gold-thread relief embroidery of the Holy Sepulchre covers eight panels and contains 16 oval medallions, which bordered by gold cartouches, contain scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The Bishop of Zagreb, Petar Petretić, commissioned the Sepulchre from the German embroiderer, Wolfgang Jakob Stoll.
Antependium with the Tribute of Continents and Imperial Countries to the Holy Family1710–1730Moravian Gallery, Brno
Governor's Palace, Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic
The antependium with scenes from the legends of St. Joseph is one of only a few examples of the use of figurative embroidery in sacred art during the first-half of the 18th century, and a specimen of monastery art.
ChasubleMid eighteenth centuryParish church of San Giovanni Battista
Minerbio, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
The red background of the chasuble is divided into fields by silver lace. Two garlands of leaves unfurl against a net ground, the sides of which are marked with a dangling garland motif also against a net ground. The central pole springs from an acanthus bush with the instruments of the Passion of Christ in its spires.
Monstrance of the Golden Sun of Moravia1748–1750Museum of Art, Archdiocesan Museum
Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic
This vessel, for carrying the embodiment of Christ's flesh, the Host, is one of only a few gold monstrances in Europe. The typically Baroque, intricately undulating ornamentation encircles a case with a lunette, the crescent for holding the Host. The sunburst symbolises the source of life, light and Divine truth.
Sacramento MonstranceFirst half of the 18th century Machado de Castro National Museum
Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Holding the solar sphere made out of silver – glowing with the true Word of God – the Atlantes angel is supposed to increase the emotional and devotional fervour of the congregation and lead them to contemplate the Divine light of truth and its beauty.
Reliquary Chest of St. João de Britoc. 1694–1698Lisbon's Holy House of Mercy / Museum of São Roque
Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Commissioned by King D. Pedro II, this Reliquary Chest is engraved in low-relief with scenes of St. João de Brito's life and martyrdom. The bas-relief on the top features the saint in Indian dress, wearing sandals and carrying a staff.