Military & Political · 19th century
€ 110
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The print is in good condition, with vivid hand-coloring, minimal discoloration, slight edge wear but no visible major tears or stains. Perfect for display purposes. Please study the image carefully.
Honor and Elegance: Handcolored Print of a Noble Guard, Plate 32, 1862
This regal handcolored lithograph, Honor and Elegance, is Plate 32 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 member of the Noble Guard (Garde Noble), an elite corps tasked with protecting the pope and maintaining ceremonial order within the Papal Court.
The Noble Guard is portrayed in an elaborate and striking uniform. The red jacket with golden braiding, white trousers, black riding boots, and a tall black and gold bicorne hat adorned with a white plume exude military precision and aristocratic grandeur. The figure holds a ceremonial sword, symbolizing both the honor and the responsibilities of his position.
The Noble Guard, established in 1801, was composed exclusively of noblemen. Their role extended beyond ceremonial duties to ensuring the pope's safety during processions and major events. Although disbanded in 1970, their iconic uniform and traditions live on as symbols of papal history and the grandeur of the Papal States.
This lithograph vividly captures the martial elegance and historical significance of this ceremonial role, offering collectors a glimpse into the traditions of the Vatican. The vibrant colors and exquisite detailing make it a standout piece for those interested in antique prints, military history, or ecclesiastical art.
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)
- Senator and Pages (Plate 25)
- Secret Chamberlain (Plate 26)
- Caudataire (Plate 27)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Noble Guard (Plate 32)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This exceptional lithograph is a testament to the tradition and elegance of the Noble Guard, making it an ideal piece for collectors of military and ceremonial art or those fascinated by the splendor of the Papal Court.
