Save Venice is seeking sponsors for the conservation of the 18th-century “Parrots” Liturgical Vestments in the Church of San Salvador.

*Published sponsorship costs are subject to change due to conservation plan modifications and fluctuations in exchange rates.

Please contact kim@savevenice.org today for more information and the latest cost estimates.

A remarkable example of 18th-century Venetian textile artistry, this set of liturgical vestments is fashioned from a rare silver silk lampas, a richly patterned woven fabric distinguished by its complex structure and elaborate decorative designs. Brocaded with gold and polychrome silks, the textile features scrolling foliage among which colorful parrots appear. The quality of the weaving, the richness of the materials, and the originality of the decoration place this ensemble among the finest achievements of Venetian textile production in the 1740s.

The set consists of a chasuble with its matching maniple, stole, chalice veil, and burse. The quality of the fabric, the interplay of colors, and the extensive use of metallic threads testify to the technical skill and artistic sophistication of 18th-century Venetian silk weavers. The shimmering surfaces and intricate botanical motifs create a sense of movement and abundance, reflecting the taste for elaborate ornamentation that characterized the period.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the fabric, however, is the presence of parrots among the leafy scrolls. Such imagery is unusual in a liturgical context and suggests that the textile was not originally intended for religious use. It may have been woven for a fashionable secular garment, perhaps worn by a member of Venice’s wealthy society. At a later date, the fabric was repurposed into a set of ecclesiastical vestments and donated to the sacristy of the Church of San Salvador as a votive offering.

This possible transformation from secular attire to sacred vestment adds another dimension to the ensemble’s history. It illustrates how precious textiles could move between the worlds of fashion and religious devotion, acquiring new meanings while preserving the artistry of their original manufacture. The “Parrots” chasuble thus stands as a testament not only to the achievements of Venetian silk weaving but also to the connections between fashion, craftsmanship, and religious life in 18th-century Venice.

The “Parrots” chasuble and its accompanying liturgical accessories show signs of deterioration that affect both their structural stability and visual appearance. The silk fabric has areas of weakness, tears, and losses, while some decorative elements and metallic threads have become loose or displaced. Surface dirt, accumulated deposits, and staining further obscure the intricate woven patterns and diminish the overall legibility of the design.

The conservation process will begin with preliminary tests to assess the stability of the fibers and dyes, followed by the dismantling of the vestments and the protection of their most vulnerable areas. Surface deposits will be removed through controlled micro-vacuuming and gentle cleaning, with aqueous treatment undertaken only where the condition of the materials permits. Damaged sections will be reinforced with suitable textile supports and protective netting. Finally, the vestments will be reassembled with new protective linings, ensuring their long-term preservation while respecting their historic construction and character.

Unidentified Artist (18th century)
The “Parrots” Liturgical Vestments
ca. 1740s, silver silk lampas