About this sheet
Officer of the Line: Handcolored Print of a Military Official, Plate 34, 1862
This distinguished handcolored lithograph, Officer of the Line, is Plate 34 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It showcases a military officer in the service of the Papal States, exemplifying both martial discipline and ceremonial elegance.
The officer is dressed in a pristine white uniform accented with red detailing and gold epaulets, symbolizing his rank and importance. His tall black bearskin hat with a red plume adds an imposing element to his appearance, while the sabre at his side reinforces his readiness for duty. The detailed background hints at the officer’s connection to both nature and his role in securing the Papal States.
Officers of the Line were integral to the military forces of the Papal States, tasked with both defending the territory and participating in ceremonial functions. Their uniforms, blending practicality and grandeur, were designed to command respect and project authority.
This lithograph captures the elegance and dignity of a military officer’s role in the Papal Court, offering collectors an extraordinary insight into the traditions and visual splendor of 19th-century Vatican history. Its vivid colors and meticulous attention to detail make it a standout addition for enthusiasts of antique prints, military history, or ceremonial 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)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This lithograph is an exceptional piece of historical art, celebrating the visual splendor and ceremonial roles of the Papal States' military traditions, making it an excellent addition to any collection of antique or military prints.
