DEACONESS

DEACONESS–FRESCO FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 11^th CENTURY– BASILICA DI SANT’AMBROGIO, MILAN

Rare example of feminine clothing of a woman invested with this religious dignity; notice the uncovered head, the linen tunic with embroidered neckline that reaches just above the ankles, allowing a view of the shoes with small side openings.

The large cloth held – spread across the arms, was used to dry the off women who had been baptized, then still done by immersion:  this task of assistance was actually one of a deaconess’s main, who, however, prior to the year 1000 seems to no longer be existent.