Other Prints · 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.
Elegance and Duty: Handcolored Print of the Secret Chamberlain, Plate 26, 1862
This refined handcolored lithograph, Elegance and Duty, is Plate 26 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome. Illustrated by the talented G. Perugini, it portrays a Secret Chamberlain (Cameriere Segreto), also known as a Knight of Cape and Sword. This prestigious role was part of the Papal Court, emphasizing both ceremonial function and close service to the pope.
The chamberlain is dressed in a dignified black robe with fine gold detailing and a white ruffled collar, symbolizing his high rank and solemn responsibilities. Around his neck, he wears a gold chain, a marker of his elevated position. His pose conveys both confidence and readiness, reflecting his role as a key figure in the inner workings of the Papal household.
Historically, Secret Chamberlains were members of the noble class who served the pope in both ceremonial and administrative capacities. Their duties ranged from assisting during official events to acting as personal aides. While the position has evolved over time, its legacy remains part of the Vatican’s rich ceremonial traditions.
This lithograph captures the grandeur and meticulous attention to detail that defined the attire of Papal officials, making it an exceptional piece for collectors of antique prints, religious art, and historical costumes.
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)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This print is a masterful representation of the elegance and tradition of Papal Court roles, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Vatican ceremonial life. A timeless piece for any collection.
