Embroidering the Life of Thomas Becket during the Middle Ages: Cult and Devotion in Liturgical Vestments

From the early studies of Tancred Borenius (1885–1948) to present, iconography archbishop Thomas Becket has drawn attention among scholars. Numerous have been published on representation Becket’s martyrdom in mural painting, sculpture, and reliquary caskets. Despite this attention, many questions concerning selection episodes embroidered liturgical vestments textiles, as well commissioning these objects, remain unresolved. How devotion spread globally Western world not yet satisfactorily determined, there may a number different factors transmitters. Thus, medieval embroidery could also driving force behind development dissemination cult—notably ecclesiastical and, more specifically, episcopal milieu across Latin Church. This type production quickly reached patrons, who were interested opportunity wearing headpiece or (copes chasubles) that would serve reminders Archbishop Canterbury. was perfect for papal curia that, since Alexander III, had tasked itself with promoting legacy, integrating saint within Christian martyrial history militant