Sicilian craftsmen, before 1222
Fragments of galloons from the garments of Empress Constance of Aragon
gold, polychrome enamels, gilded and filigreed silver, traces of freshwater beads (2.4×24.5 cm)
enamel plaques (1,6×1,6 cm)
filigreed plaques (0,5×1,2 cm)
Palermo, Treasure of the Cathedral, from the Empress’ sarcophagus

The drawings made in 1781 during the opening of the sarcophagus of Empress Constance of Aragon (cat. 21) show two fragments of galloons: one of a semicircular shape, part of the neckline of her tunic, and the other from one of the two front hems of her mantle, near the fibula. The original curvature of the gallons was eliminated during the nineteenth-century restoration works and today they are displayed on two parallel straight strips.
The analysis of the shape and of the executive techniques of the enameled and filigree plates, together with the traces of freshwater beads on the fabric (used to fill the spaces left empty by the previous ones), recall the crown of the Empress (cat. 26) but also the vestment of the coronation of the Kings of Sicily currently exhibited in the imperial treasure of Vienna. 
The funeral robe of the Empress was either made by craftsmen of the Royal Palace of Palermo on the occasion of her death in 1222 or previously used by her during her life.
The crimson fabric mentioned by the sources refers to the color purple, a symbol of imperial dignity.