Religion · 19th century
€ 330
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The prints are in very good condition, with vibrant hand coloring and only minor foxing and edge toning confined to the margins. Paper is stable and free of tears or repairs.
Original Antique Print of Ecclesiastical and Civic Dress in Renaissance Italy: Pope, Judge, Italian Lady - 1845
This compelling trio of hand-colored lithographs offers a rare visual study of high-ranking ecclesiastical and civic costumes from Renaissance Italy, alongside a noblewoman in elegant attire. Published in 1845 as part of a landmark work on historical dress, these prints stand out for their stately compositions, period-accurate garments, and crisp chromatic detail. Each plate captures a distinct role within the cultural and ceremonial life of the late medieval and early Renaissance world.
Plate No.27, titled "Souverain Pontife" (Sovereign Pontiff), features a papal figure dressed in full pontifical regalia. He wears a triple-tiered tiara and a voluminous blue and gold-embroidered cope over white ecclesiastical robes. Holding a cross aloft, the figure exemplifies supreme spiritual authority, and the accuracy of his vestments—including the pallium and red shoes—evokes the grandeur of the Roman Catholic Church at the height of its influence.
Plate No.28, "Magistrat Florentin" (Florentine Magistrate), portrays a civic official of high status in a dramatic and colorful robe. The flowing cloak is lined with ermine and richly shaded in gold and crimson, indicating wealth, legal power, and ceremonial responsibility. The figure's extended arm and assertive posture hint at an oratorical or judicial role, typical of the prestigious civic culture of Florence during the quattrocento.
Plate No.29, "Jeune Italienne" (Young Italian Woman), provides a graceful counterpoint to the formality of the previous figures. She is shown in profile, wearing a long pink and blue robe with gold trim, her hair delicately tied with ribbon. Her attire and bearing suggest nobility and refinement, while her modest gesture adds a touch of youthful charm to the ensemble.
Together, these prints capture a rich spectrum of Italian life—from church ritual and legal authority to courtly elegance. Their historical accuracy and fine execution make them ideal for collectors, historians, or decorators aiming to bring depth and sophistication to a space.
Condition:
The prints are in very good condition, with vibrant hand coloring and only minor foxing and edge toning confined to the margins. Paper is stable and free of tears or repairs.
Framing Tips:
To highlight their vertical symmetry and narrative flow, frame these three prints side by side using ivory or parchment-colored mats and gold, black, or walnut frames. Display in a study, hallway, or ecclesiastical setting where their thematic richness can be fully appreciated. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the pigments over time.
