About this sheet
Blossoms of Faith: Handcolored Print of a Lateran Canoness, Plate 80, 1862
This delightful handcolored lithograph, Blossoms of Faith, is Plate 80 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome. Illustrated by G. Perugini, it depicts a Lateran Canoness, part of an esteemed religious order, carrying a basket of flowers. The delicate artistry and vibrant colors highlight the balance between her spiritual devotion and her role in community life.
The Canoness wears a modest yet elegant habit: a white tunic, a black veil draped gracefully over her head, and a simple belt, all symbolizing humility, purity, and dedication to her religious mission. The basket of flowers she carries is likely symbolic of her connection to nature and the nurturing care associated with her role. Historically, Lateran Canonesses were closely associated with the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, contributing to the liturgical life of the Church and charitable activities within their communities.
Although the order of Lateran Canonesses is less prominent today, their tradition of service and prayer continues in modern religious communities inspired by their example. This lithograph captures not only their historical significance but also their serene and meaningful contribution to ecclesiastical life.
Whether you're an enthusiast of antique religious prints or fascinated by the history of Catholic orders, this lithograph offers an exquisite depiction of a little-known but historically significant order.
Introduction Text Translation:
A powerful interest is attached to the name of Rome, an interest even greater in the name of Christ. Rome, through its genius, the vast intelligence of its warriors, orators, and legislators, prepared the cradle where Catholicism was born, grew, developed, and established itself. The history of Catholicism is the history of this great and glorious city among all others.
Virgil said in a truly prophetic verse: “To rule peoples, Roman, remember.” This prophecy received the most glorious, complete developments: all conspired for the glory of the eternal city—its history, its arts, monuments, and the religion from which everything starts and to which everything returns. Yet, no other city in the universe contains such a collection: from the monuments of Augustus' time to those of Sixtus V and Leo XII; from pagan temples to saints’ tombs and martyrs, all illustrate daily the majesty of Catholicism in its splendor.
It was natural to offer the public the tableau of the splendid costumes of the Pontiffs and great dignitaries, as well as those of the humble garments of religious congregations. This is what we retrace in this Album. Amid the religious costumes, we have also included military corps contributing to the harmony of ceremonies. These figures, drawn by the skilled artist G. Perugini, are accompanied by explanatory texts derived from the works of the learned Father Hélyot.
Table of Costumes in English (selected for relevance):
- The Pope in Grand Ceremony
- Cardinal in Choir Attire
- Bishop in Pontifical Costume
- Franciscan
- Capuchin Friar
- Jesuit
- Reformed Redemptorist
- Sister of Redemption (Plate 76)
- Religious Sister of Perpetual Adoration (Plate 77)
- Benedictine (Plate 78)
- Zocolette (Plate 79)
- Lateran Canoness (Plate 80)
This lithograph is an enchanting representation of faith, humility, and community life, offering collectors a meaningful piece of ecclesiastical and artistic heritage.
