About this sheet
Handcolored Lithograph of Prélat de Petit Manteau (Prelate in Mantelletta), Plate 15, 1862
This handcolored lithograph of the Prélat de Petit Manteau (Prelate in Mantelletta) is Plate 15 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome by G. Perugini. It portrays a prelate dressed in a distinctive purple mantelletta—a short, sleeveless cape that was traditionally worn over a cassock by high-ranking clergy members.
The figure carries a closed book and a biretta, symbolizing his scholarly and religious functions. The mantelletta, paired with his white lace surplice, highlights his rank within the Church hierarchy, emphasizing the solemnity and dignity of his role.
Prelates in mantellettas were often entrusted with ceremonial duties, including participation in liturgical events and ecclesiastical governance. While the mantelletta has largely fallen out of use in modern ecclesiastical attire, this print preserves its historical significance, capturing the rich traditions of the Catholic Church as they were in the 19th century.
This lithograph stands as a vivid and elegant representation of clerical vestments, showcasing the attention to detail and vibrant coloring for which G. Perugini's artwork is celebrated. It is a perfect addition to collections focused on religious history, 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)
- Prelate in Mantelletta (Plate 15)
- Senator and Pages (Plate 25)
- Franciscan
- Jesuit
- Religious Sister of Perpetual Adoration (Plate 77)
- Swiss Guard in Cuirass (Plate 42)
This lithograph serves as a beautiful and timeless piece, preserving the ornate traditions and history of the Catholic Church through exquisite artistry.
