About this sheet
Royal Bavarian Liturgical Vessels – 3 Large Chromolithographs, Munich 1874
This rare set of three large-format chromolithographs depicts lavish liturgical vessels from the treasury of the Reiche Kapelle (Royal Chapel) in the Munich Residenz, published in 1874 during the reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Issued as part of the prestigious portfolio
Ausgewählte Kunstwerke aus dem Schatze der Reichen Capelle in der königlichen Residenz zu München, these plates document the extraordinary craftsmanship and ceremonial splendor of Bavaria’s royal ecclesiastical heritage.
The plates are offered unframed, giving flexibility to select a frame that best suits the intended interior.
The present set includes three individual plates, each illustrating a monumental sacred object rendered in rich chromolithographic color: a highly ornate monstrance, a tall reliquary or shrine-form vessel, and a sumptuous gold chalice. Each object is shown in isolation against a muted ground, emphasizing sculptural form, jewel-like surface detail, and the refined metalwork associated with the Bavarian court workshops. The visual language is consistent across the plates, creating a calm and authoritative ensemble suitable for both scholarly and interior display contexts.
Produced by F. X. Zettler in Munich, one of the most accomplished German chromolithographers of the 19th century, these works exemplify the high technical and aesthetic standards of Bavarian art publishing in the historicist period. Portfolios from this series were intended for collectors, institutions, and patrons closely aligned with the court, and complete or grouped sets are now scarce on the market.
Offered here as a unified group of three plates from the original series of forty, this set is particularly appealing for collectors of ecclesiastical art, German historicism, or royal Bavarian material, as well as for interior designers seeking large, visually commanding works with depth and historical gravitas.
Condition:
Overall good antique condition. Some fraying and wear to the outer margins of the paper, primarily affecting the blank text-bearing edges; images themselves remain clean and well-preserved. Original color strong.
Framing tips:
These large folio plates frame beautifully with generous ivory or soft warm-white mats to balance their scale. Dark walnut, ebonized, or antiqued gilt frames complement the rich colors and ceremonial character. Museum glass is recommended due to size and age. We sell these unframed.
