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.
Vibrant Tradition: Handcolored Print of the Capitoline Estafier, Plate 31, 1862
This striking handcolored lithograph, Vibrant Tradition, is Plate 31 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 the Estafier du Capitole (Fedele del Campidoglio), a ceremonial figure associated with the Capitoline Hill, symbolizing the enduring traditions of Rome's civic and ecclesiastical history.
The Estafier is dressed in a bold and colorful uniform of vibrant red and yellow, adorned with gold trim. His attire, including the distinctive high black hat and flowing cape, reflects the grandeur and importance of his ceremonial duties. His confident stance conveys pride in his role, which was deeply tied to the traditions of the Papal States and the governance of Rome.
Historically, the Estafiers were attendants or aides responsible for ceremonial tasks and protocol during official events, serving as a visual representation of the authority and heritage of their institution. Their striking attire and disciplined presence added a sense of spectacle and tradition to these occasions.
This lithograph vividly captures the historical and aesthetic significance of this role, making it a fascinating addition for collectors of historical prints, ceremonial art, and Roman history. The intricate details and vibrant coloring bring this ceremonial figure to life, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions of 19th-century Rome.
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)
- Porter of the Sedia (Plate 29)
- Dean of Cardinals’ Servants (Plate 30)
- Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31)
- Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94)
This exceptional lithograph embodies the grandeur and historical richness of Rome's ceremonial roles, offering a timeless treasure for collectors of antique prints and ecclesiastical art.
