Sacred Splendor of the Reiche Kapelle Munich – Antique Chromolithograph, 1874
€ 1 390
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1874
Mapmaker / artist
F. X. Zettler, Munich, 1874
Technique
Chromolithograph
Sheet size
66 × 48 cm (26.0 × 18.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14257-3-22
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good antique condition overall. Age-related toning and scattered foxing mainly confined to the margins, with light handling wear consistent with age. The image remains clear and visually strong.
This finely executed antique chromolithograph was published in Munich in 1874 by F. X. Zettler and issued as part of the celebrated portfolio Ausgewählte Kunstwerke aus dem Schatze der Reichen Capelle in der königlichen Residenz zu München. The series was created to document and preserve the ecclesiastical treasures housed within the Reiche Kapelle (Rich Chapel) of the Munich Residenz during the reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a period marked by renewed appreciation for historic sacred art and royal craftsmanship.
The publication aimed to disseminate the artistic heritage of the Bavarian royal court beyond the palace walls, presenting sacred objects with scholarly precision and decorative elegance. Zettler’s Munich workshop was internationally recognized for its mastery of chromolithography, a highly sophisticated color-printing technique capable of reproducing intricate ornament, metallic effects, and subtle tonal transitions with remarkable fidelity. The result closely approaches the visual richness of illuminated manuscripts and precious liturgical metalwork.
This plate illustrates an ecclesiastical treasure preserved within the royal chapel, emphasizing both craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism. The composition reflects nineteenth-century historicism and the revival of medieval artistic traditions admired under Ludwig II’s patronage. Today, prints from this portfolio are valued not only as historical documents but also as refined decorative works, well suited to both classical and contemporary interiors.
The chromolithograph is offered unframed, allowing custom framing according to personal taste or interior design preferences. With appropriate framing, the work functions beautifully as a standalone statement piece or within a curated gallery arrangement.
Framing suggestions: A dark walnut, gilt, or light oak frame combined with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat enhances the chromolithographic colors and provides a museum-quality presentation. Deep matting works particularly well with the vertical format.
