Baroque mourning dalmatic - Antique - Silk - 1700-1750 - Dalmatic

Magnificent and extremely rare mourning liturgical dalmatic, of Spanish origin and dated to the early 18th century. This piece is an exceptional example of the iconography “Memento Mori” (remember you will die), with an impactful design and high artisanal quality.
Details of the Piece:
The body of the dalmatic and the included sleeve fragment are richly decorated with embroidery in gold thread and silk. The central design features detailed skulls and crossed tibias, surrounded by intricate floral and foliate motifs, all on a dark background fabric (velvet/silk). The embroidery demonstrates museological quality, with precise and expressive technique. The text of the provided image (which is not physically included, but serves as a visual reference) describes the piece as a “Spanish mourning dalmatic from the early 18th century, with skull embroidery, crossed tibias and floral motifs in gold and silk on damask fabric. Museum piece of the Memento Mori theme.”
CONDITION (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
This piece is offered in a state that requires expert, in-depth restoration. It is classified as being in a “poor / restoration needed” condition. The following points detail its current state:
- One sleeve is missing: The lot includes the main body of the dalmatic and a single separate sleeve fragment (see detailed photos for reference to the included piece). The second sleeve is completely absent from the original set.
- Old moth damage: The dark background fabric shows generalized and significant moth damage (historical, not active). There are numerous holes, perforations, and areas where the fabric is extremely fragile, brittle, and frayed. The moth damage is extensive and visible.
- Embroidery: The valuable embroidery in gold thread and silk, although intact in design, is loose and frayed in multiple areas. Many threads need to be secured and consolidated.
- General fragility: The overall textile structure is fragile and requires extremely careful handling.