Liturgical Colours of Advent (Re-visited)

At the beginning of this beautiful Season of Advent, we return to a commentary posted previously on the Saint Bede Studio blog concerning the liturgical colour proper to Advent.

It is often asserted by liturgical commentators and other internet experts, that there are "correct" colours for the vestments used during Lent and Advent.  Curious as to the history of these colours in Liturgical use, some years ago we researched and posted an article ( here and here ) about the use of penitential colours for the Seasons of Advent and Lent. If you have wondered what colour the Church recommends for these Seasons, you might find the article illuminating.

A short answer is that there is no particular shade of liturgical violet specified for Advent or Lent.

  

Adjacent is an historic work of art to illustrate the practice of our forebears. This work was painted by an artist known as The Master of Osservanza in the year 1440 and depicts a Low Mass being offered at a side chapel in the Siena Cathedral (Italy).

The following are some observations about this painting.  The chasuble being worn by the celebrant is violet: in other words, much the same colour as the flower "violets". It is a blue-ish colour, not purple and it is not too dark either.  But neither is it blue, as has been suggested in some commentaries.  

The chasuble is the full conical shape and is ornamented with a simple column-orphrey of dark fabric (possibly even black). Most likely, the front of the chasuble would have been decorated with the familiar "tau". The celebrant is wearing decorative apparels on his alb and amice, which match the colour of the chasuble's ornament. That is a very typical practice of the Mediaeval period. Note, too, the very full folds of the alb.

We see, also, that the boy (or young cleric) assisting the celebrant is wearing a full-length surplice, according to the style typically found in Renaissance Italy. Those who claim that such surplices are a "Church of England" garment should note this well.

Lastly, the altar itself. It is clothed in a dark antependium or altar frontal, ornamented with scarlet red. On the altar is a Crucifix and a single candle. Although it may seem peculiar that there is but a single candle instead of a pair, it might be remarked that not until the 16th century was it a usual practice to have a pair of candlesticks on an altar.  We might also note that the candle itself is a golden colour, rather than white.

Is this painting illustrating a Low Mass (as we would refer to it) celebrated in Advent or Lent?  That could not be claimed with certainty.  But the sombre nature of the vestments and altar clothing suggests a penitential character to the occasion.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.