Fragments of a Cope with the Seven Sacraments

The "Fragments of a Cope with the Seven Sacraments" is an exquisite piece of 15th-century religious vestment, currently exhibited at the Historical Museum of Bern. Originally, it was part of the Cathedral of Lausanne's treasury but was relocated to Bern following the Protestant conquest of Canton Vaud in 1536.

This ceremonial cloak, or cope, is believed to have been crafted by a master from the Netherlands, possibly associated with the renowned artist Rogier van der Weyden. It was likely produced in Tournai, where van der Weyden had established a workshop in 1432.

The portion of the cope on display is the hood, which elegantly depicts the Eucharist, reflecting the Devotio Moderna movement that emerged in the Netherlands during the 15th century. The intricate embroidery exemplifies the luxurious and elaborate "or nué" (shaded gold) technique employed by Tournai embroiderers. This method involves gold threads overlaid with silk threads to create a shimmering, shaded effect. A comparable masterpiece employing this technique is the Mantle of the Vestments of the Order of the Golden Fleece, dating from around 1425–1450, which is preserved in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna.

The cope was commissioned by Jacques of Savoy, Count of Romont, who presented it to the Bishop of Lausanne. The coat of arms of the Counts of Savoy embroidered at the bottom of the cope suggests it was made before 1478, as it does not feature the Collar of the Golden Fleece, an accolade Jacques of Savoy received that year upon joining the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece.