Views of Europe · 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.
Cameriere d'Onore: Handcolored Print of Vatican Honor Chamberlain, Plate 21, 1862
This distinguished handcolored lithograph, Cameriere d'Onore (Honor Chamberlain), is Plate 21 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 the elaborate attire of an Honor Chamberlain, a figure of high rank within the papal household who played an important ceremonial and administrative role in the Vatican.
The chamberlain is depicted in a resplendent crimson robe with a deep purple cape draped gracefully over his shoulders. His elegant stance, holding what appears to be a book or document, symbolizes his responsibility in assisting with official papal ceremonies and his presence in diplomatic or formal audiences.
The Cameriere d'Onore historically represented the pope in matters of protocol and ceremonial preparation. While this position has evolved over time, it remains a symbol of the grandeur and formality that characterize the Vatican’s hierarchical structure. The vibrant handcoloring of this lithograph brings out the rich details of his attire, emphasizing the refinement and significance of his role.
This lithograph serves as a striking representation of the pageantry and tradition of the Vatican, making it a remarkable piece for collectors of ecclesiastical history, ceremonial attire, or antique prints. Its fine craftsmanship reflects G. Perugini’s talent in capturing the elegance and dignity of this historical role.
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)
- Honor Chamberlain (Plate 21)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Noble Guard (Plate 32)
- Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Senate Guard (Plate 35)
- Swiss Guard Sergeant (Plate 40)
- Swiss Guard Piper (Plate 41)
- Swiss Guard in Cuirass (Plate 42)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This print is a timeless portrayal of the elegance and ceremonial tradition of the Vatican, offering a unique glimpse into the history of one of its most distinguished roles. It is an excellent collectible for enthusiasts of religious art, historical costumes, and papal history.
