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.
Handcolored Lithograph of Prélat de Grand Manteau (High-Ranking Prelate), Plate 16, 1862
This handcolored lithograph, Prélat de Grand Manteau (High-Ranking Prelate), is Plate 16 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome by G. Perugini. The print presents a prelate, a high-ranking clergy member within the Catholic Church, distinguished by his long purple mantle (mantellone), symbolizing his elevated ecclesiastical rank.
The prelate is depicted holding a document, likely representing a decree or official correspondence, signifying his administrative or ceremonial duties. The red sash worn around his waist further underscores his office, as such attire traditionally reflects the authority and solemnity of his position in Church hierarchy.
The role of prelates, as depicted here, extends from overseeing religious and administrative duties to participating in significant Church ceremonies. The use of a purple mantle continues today as a ceremonial garment among bishops and other prelates, reflecting their historical and ongoing importance in maintaining the Church's governance and traditions.
This lithograph offers a visually rich and historically accurate portrayal of the prelate's attire, showcasing the meticulous artistry and vibrant coloring characteristic of G. Perugini's work. It is a rare and valuable addition to collections of religious art, antique prints, or historical costume studies.
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
- Prelate of the Grand Mantle (Plate 16)
- Secret Chamberlain (Plate 19)
- Senator and Pages (Plate 25)
- Franciscan
- Capuchin Friar
- Jesuit
- Reformed Redemptorist
- Religious Sister of Perpetual Adoration (Plate 77)
- Benedictine (Plate 78)
- Zocolette (Plate 79)
- Lateran Canoness (Plate 80)
- Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Swiss Guard in Cuirass (Plate 42)
This lithograph is an excellent representation of ecclesiastical traditions and artistry, a fascinating addition for collectors of 19th-century religious art and history.
