Religion · 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.
Meditative Serenity: Handcolored Print of a Benedictine Nun, 1862
This serene handcolored lithograph, Meditative Serenity, is Plate 78 from the second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, published in 1862. Created by the skilled artist G. Perugini, it depicts a Benedictine nun deep in prayer, embodying the contemplative and devout lifestyle of the Benedictine Order.
The Benedictine habit, characterized by its simplicity and humility, includes a dark robe, a white wimple, and a black veil. This order, founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century, emphasizes a life of prayer, work, and study. Benedictines have played a pivotal role in preserving Western culture through their monasteries, which became centers of learning, art, and community life.
Today, the Benedictine Order continues its legacy across the globe, with monasteries and abbeys in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. The attire of modern Benedictine nuns remains similar to that depicted here, reflecting centuries of tradition and devotion.
This lithograph’s delicate handcoloring and historical accuracy make it a significant addition to collections focusing on religious orders, antique art, or the history of Catholicism. It offers a glimpse into a world of spiritual reflection and dedication that continues to inspire.
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)
- Benedictine (Plate 78)
This beautifully detailed lithograph offers a timeless depiction of a devout Benedictine nun and provides a fascinating connection to a centuries-old tradition.
