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Archbishop in Ceremonial Vestments – Ecclesiastical Dress of the Renaissance

About the Item

Archbishop in Ceremonial Vestments – Ecclesiastical Dress of the Renaissance This hand-colored lithograph, plate MCCC No.79, presents a solemn and richly detailed portrait of a high-ranking ecclesiastical figure titled Archéveque (Archbishop). Standing upright in full regalia, this dignified clergyman embodies the grandeur and ritualized authority of the Roman Catholic Church during the late medieval and Renaissance period. The archbishop is shown holding a long processional cross in his left hand, a symbol of spiritual authority and leadership. His right hand holds a small red-bound book, likely representing the scriptures or a liturgical text. The figure’s gaze is directed calmly forward, and his posture, combined with the refined lines of his garments, conveys spiritual focus, command, and inner composure. His vestments are rendered in exquisite color: a deep rose-red cope draped over a vibrant blue chasuble, trimmed with gold and worn above a pale alb with golden fringe. A pallium, decorated with black crosses, rests upon his shoulders, reinforcing his rank as a metropolitan archbishop. The mitre, with its pointed form and ornamented banding, rises high above his head, enhancing the vertical authority of the composition and drawing attention to the cleric’s role as an intermediary between the earthly and divine. The carefully executed folds, symbolic detail, and restrained yet vivid coloring demonstrate the printmaker’s mastery of ecclesiastical portraiture. This plate is not only a study in costume but also an artifact of visual theology—capturing the ways in which garments, posture, and sacred objects shaped the presentation of power and sanctity. For collectors of ecclesiastical history, costume design, or religious iconography, this print offers a powerful representation of one of the most senior figures in the Catholic hierarchy. Its formal clarity and balanced composition make it especially suitable for framed display in libraries, offices, or personal collections focused on spiritual themes. Condition: Very good antique condition. Slight toning and minor spotting in the margins, but the image is clean and strong. Coloring remains vibrant, particularly in the robes and gold details. No tears or folds are present. Plate impression is sharp. Framing Tips: This stately image benefits from a vertical frame with a wide, soft ivory or light parchment mat to emphasize the figure’s regal bearing. A dark wood or antique gold frame complements the ecclesiastical richness of the costume. Float-mounting is optional but can add sophistication by showing the plate’s edge and numbering. Use UV-protective glass to ensure long-term preservation of the brilliant hand coloring.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.93 in (30.3 cm)Width: 8.78 in (22.3 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1845
  • Condition:
    Very good antique condition. Slight toning and minor spotting in the margins, but the image is clean and strong. Coloring remains vibrant, particularly in the robes and gold details. No tears or folds are present. Plate impression is sharp.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14024-1-791stDibs: LU3054345420782

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