Maureen C. Miller

Beautifully researched and illustrated, Maureen Miller's ambitious latest book traces the changes in clerical garb between the ninth and twelfth centuries in Latin Christendom. This might seem a rather esoteric subject matter, but through the use of art historical evidence, narrative and theological writings, conciliar legislation, and even surviving pieces of clothing, Miller makes a strong case for vestments as very visual representations of the burgeoning clerical reform movement. She really shines at taking a particular cope or textual excerpt and situating them in their broader historical contexts.

I also appreciated her consideration of the role of women in making and embroidering these clothes, though I'm not sure that I would be quite so positive as her in claiming that women's textile work could shape clerical piety. I mean, we don't know—will almost certainly never know—to what extent this embroidery was made according to the women's own design, but my suspicion would be that they're often working according to an external commission, particularly enslaved women. This is, of course, one of those quibbles that comes down to gut feeling more than anything else, and this is a really wonderful work. I'm quite certain that it will be the go-to for anyone working on medieval Christian liturgical vestments.… (meer)