Papal Bull Innocent XI (1676-1689), Lead Seal, from the Collection of a Baron Cederström. Baroque, Mid 1600s
A seal from a Papal decree, known as a papal bull, made of lead and with twine. These seals were used as stamps of authenticity for papal decrees, often of a solemn or ritual nature. This specific bull was made for the Pope Innocent XI (Innocentius XI), known for moral and administrative reform of the Holy See, political struggles with the Sun King Louis XIV of France, as well as being hailed as the Saviour of Hungary for his role in initiating the Holy League which repelled Ottoman incursion into Central Europe.
The bulla seal features the name and titles of Innocent XI: IN NO CENTIVS PAPA XI; and on the opposite side the faces of Saint Peter and Paul...
Category
Mid-17th Century Baroque Antique Vatican Furniture