Parchment mitre

After Jacques de Vitry’s death, and in line with his last wishes, the objects in his private chapel, including this mitre, were offered to the Priory of Oignies. The mitre is unique because it is the only one known made in parchment. The decoration is in miniature but there is uncertainty about whether its origin is Italian or Oriental. It is likely to have been used only for the most solemn ceremonies.

A mitre is a headdress worn by bishops since the early days of the Christian Church.