Representation Of The Holy Shroud Of Besançon - 18th Century

The history of the Holy Shroud of Besançon is fascinating. From 1517 and until the Revolution when he mysteriously disappeared, he was the object of great veneration and spectacular devotions. During pilgrimages, it was customary to return with an image like this representation on silk of the Holy Shroud bearing the imprint of the body of Christ. In the registers of Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the canons first evoke an image used as part of a mystery of the Passion, then a relic. It could be a copy produced around 1510 of the Holy Shroud of Turin then in Chambéry. Some authors maintain that this shroud would have been found in Franche-Comté as early as the 15th century. According to legend, Theodosius II donated it in 445 to Célidoine, archbishop of Besançon. In a modern gilded wood frame, we have here a work of polychrome embroidery spun in gold on a cream-colored satin background. The faces of the mitred bishop and the two canons are of rare finesse.

Our three characters hold the shroud of the Passion. The whole is surrounded by an elegant plant garland made up of flowers and leaves of various species.
Used condition for this 18th century piece with some tears and moisture stains on the edges.
Dimensions outside frame of 29 cm by 23.