It is the object of the following catalogue to supply a clue to the practical antiquary in his interpretation of ancient art, where, but for this sacred heraldry, he must have worked in the dark. In the middle ages, pictures were the books of the unlearned; and those who were unable to read, could at once recognise a Saint by his appropriate emblem. The memory of these things has long since faded away in our country; but illuminated manuscripts, painted glass, the paintings which decorate the screen-work or walls of many of our churches, monastic seals, and early wood-engravings, furnish us with the means of resuscitation.
Saints of the highest order had a double feast, or nine lessons assigned to them in the Breviary, so that the reader may easily ascertain to which he ought to give a preference in cases of doubt. When the same emblem belongs to many Saints of the same denomination, an asterisk (*) is prefixed to the emblem as a caution, that he may not too hastily appropriate.
The following abbreviations have been employed throughout, to which are here added the vestments belonging to each order, as a means of distinguishing from each other different Saints who had the same emblem.
Ap. Apostle, usually without any tonsure, a long beard, a close tunic and mantle. At an early period the feet are usually bare.
Abp. Archbishop, like a Bishop (see Bp.) but with the pall over the Chasuble, and a Cross-staff in the left hand, instead of a Pastoral-staff.
Bp. Bishop. A Mitre, Crosier, (or pastoral staff) in his left hand, blessing with the right, or holding a book. Vested in the Chasuble, Maniple, Dalmatic, Tunic, Stole, Alb, and Amess. Sometimes a Bishop wears a Cope over a Dalmatic and Alb; sometimes a Mozzetta, Rochet, and Alb, but the latter very rarely.
C. (Cœnobite) Monk or Nun. The Monk has a frock, cowl, and usually a scapular; the Nun a frock, often a scapular, and a close fitting kerchief or veil, covering the chin.
D. Deacon. A Dalmatic, a Stole, (which sometimes is represented as worn over the left shoulder;) a Maniple, Amess, and Alb.
E. Evangelist. like an Apostle. (See A.)
H. Hermit, like a Monk, but with a long beard. Commonly he has a scull before him, and large beads hanging at his girdle: sometimes he is clad in skins of beasts.