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.
Master of Ceremonies: Handcolored Lithograph, Plate 20, 1862
This handcolored lithograph, Master of Ceremonies (Maître des Cérémonies), is Plate 20 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, created by G. Perugini. The image highlights the attire of a key figure responsible for orchestrating the intricate rituals and formal events within the papal court.
The figure is elegantly dressed in a detailed lace-trimmed white surplice over a violet gown, tied with a small red ribbon at the collar. His composed demeanor reflects the precision and authority required to manage ceremonial events. The Master of Ceremonies ensured the flawless execution of papal liturgies, formal receptions, and other official functions, a role steeped in tradition and rooted in the meticulous customs of the Vatican.
This position continues to exist today within the Catholic Church, with the role adapting to modern liturgical practices while maintaining its historical significance. The costume depicted here reflects the solemnity and reverence of the role, capturing the grandeur of the 19th-century Vatican.
The lithograph is a superb example of 19th-century artistry, with fine handcoloring and exquisite attention to detail. It appeals to collectors of historical prints, religious artifacts, and those fascinated by the history of Vatican protocol and ceremonies.
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)
- Master of Ceremonies (Plate 20)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Noble Guard (Plate 32)
- Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33)
- Officer of the Line (Plate 34)
- Senate Guard (Plate 35)
- Swiss Guard Sergeant (Plate 40)
- Swiss Guard Piper (Plate 41)
- Swiss Guard in Cuirass (Plate 42)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This print is an excellent addition to any collection focusing on Vatican traditions, historical clothing, or ceremonial roles within the Catholic Church. Its vivid colors and historical relevance make it an exceptional artifact.
