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.
Dignity in Ceremony: Handcolored Print of a Papal Caudataire, Plate 27, 1862
This exquisite handcolored lithograph, Dignity in Ceremony, is Plate 27 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It portrays a Caudataire (Caudatario), a ceremonial figure in the Papal Court responsible for bearing the train of the pope or other high-ranking church officials during formal events.
The Caudataire is depicted in a stately pose, dressed in a long lavender robe and a distinctive blue cloak draped over his shoulders, highlighting the elegance and importance of his role. In his hand, he holds a ceremonial biretta and a red velvet pouch, adding to the richness of the composition. His attire reflects the dignity and solemnity of his responsibilities within the Papal hierarchy.
This role, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Papal Court, emphasizes the structured protocol and ceremonial grandeur of the Vatican. While the function of the Caudataire has diminished over time, it remains a symbol of the intricate customs that shaped the historical Papal ceremonies.
This lithograph, with its vibrant handcoloring and attention to detail, offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the pageantry of 19th-century Vatican traditions. It is an exceptional piece for those interested in antique prints, religious art, or the history of ecclesiastical ceremonies.
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)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This lithograph captures the magnificence and formality of Papal traditions, offering a timeless piece for collectors of historical art and ecclesiastical history.
