Large Antique Napoleon III Religious Hand Painted Embroidered Ciborium Veil

SOLD A large example, it measures 11 1/2" tall with four panels, each of which are 6 1/2" wide. It originates from a large religious textile collection near the town of Troyes and dates between 1850 and 1870. This type of veil was most often convent work which allowed for a great deal in individual character. Each panel of this piece is embellished with, embroidery or piecework elements to create a rich and symbolic medallion. We begin with the panel bearing the large cross with the Alpha and Omega characters. This design consists of silk piecework which had borders of gilded metallic embroidery. The altar is embellished with both silk fabric and threads. The second panel has a medallion representing an altar with an urn from which smoke is rising (symbol of prayers rising up to God). The flames are hand painted and the urn and altar are made of silk piecework with gilded metal thread outlines. The channel of the alter edge is entirely filled with red embroidery. The third panel conta