Frontal of Pius V

This frontal was a gift from Pope Urban VIII to the Countess of Lemos, Doña Catalina de la Cerda y Sandoval. It is a piece of significant historical importance, since the complete set, also comprising a chasuble, a stole, and a maniple, was used by the pontiff for the celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass following the victory of the Holy League at the Battle of Lepanto, which took place in the year 1571. It is speculated, though without great certainty, that the textiles of Turkish origin may have formed part of the Christian loot plundered after the battle. In this regard, it should be remembered that Pope Pius V was responsible for promoting the creation of the Holy League to confront the power of the Ottoman Empire.

As for the piece, it stands out for its material and decorative richness. In it, we observe a large central silk panel with a recurring pattern of floral motifs of marked Oriental tradition. On the upper part, it has a superimposed textile band in red tones with details in gold thread. This is decorated with a border featuring a repetition of the same pattern of floral motifs in its central part.

At a later date, up to three embroidered scenes were added to the central body of the piece. On the right side appears the emblem of the Holy See, composed of two crossed keys and the papal tiara. Directly below, we find a crimson cord which is the symbol of the union between spiritual power and temporal power. On the left side, a figure embroidered in rosy tones surrounds one of the ornamental motifs of the panel. This embroidery represents the image of a serpent chasing its own tail, which could symbolize the cycle of life itself.

Of particular interest is the embroidered image in the central part. This represents a scene with a majestic Virgin serving as a throne for the Child, in an ensemble of clear Byzantine inspiration. Both figures seem to rest upon a lunar crescent. In the lower part of the image, several cherubs emerge from among a cluster of clouds to propel the group upward. Finally, a great golden radiance envelops the ensemble.