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 in Duty: Handcolored Print of a Carabinier, Plate 36, 1862
This stunning handcolored lithograph, Elegance in Duty, is Plate 36 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 Carabinier, a member of a specialized military corps serving in the Papal States, renowned for their discipline and striking uniforms.
The Carabinier is dressed in a ceremonial blue jacket with silver detailing and white trousers, enhanced by gold epaulets and a sash. His tall black bearskin hat, adorned with a red plume, adds a dramatic and commanding flair to his appearance. He carries a sword, symbolizing readiness and honor, with his stance exuding confidence and formality.
Carabiniers were tasked with safeguarding the Papal States, ensuring the safety of officials, and providing a visible symbol of authority and protection. Their elaborate uniforms and rigorous training reflected their prestigious position within the military hierarchy of the 19th-century Vatican.
This lithograph captures the meticulous design and historical significance of a Carabinier’s uniform, making it a compelling piece for collectors of antique military prints, ceremonial art, or Vatican history. Its exquisite handcoloring and precise detailing reflect the artistry of G. Perugini.
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)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Noble Guard (Plate 32)
- Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Senate Guard (Plate 35)
- Carabinier (Plate 36)
- National Guard (Plate 37)
- Swiss Guard Officer (Plate 39)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This lithograph is a timeless representation of the ceremonial and protective roles within the Papal States, making it a must-have for collectors of historical art and military traditions.
