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Holy Week and Candlemas Rites – 1734 Engraving of Catholic Liturgical Scenes

About the Item

Title: Holy Week and Candlemas Rites – Rare 1734 Engraving of Catholic Liturgical Scenes Description: This rare and finely engraved 18th-century print presents six distinct Roman Catholic rituals associated with Candlemas and Holy Week. Published in 1734 as part of *The Ceremonies and Religious Customs of Various Nations of the Known World*, the print offers a detailed visual record of key liturgical practices, providing insight into the solemn beauty and pageantry of pre-modern Catholic worship. The engravings are arranged in three rows of paired scenes, each labeled with the name of the specific ritual: 1. Le Celebrant distribue les cierges le jour de la Chandeleur (The celebrant distributes candles on Candlemas): This scene illustrates the priest giving candles to the faithful, marking the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary—a ceremony associated with light, purification, and devotion. 2. Procession de la Chandeleur (Procession of Candlemas): Clergy clad in heavy liturgical robes process solemnly, bearing candles and staffs, reinforcing the symbolism of light overcoming darkness. 3. Les Ténèbres (The Tenebrae): Depicts the somber Holy Week service where candles are extinguished one by one, representing the deepening sorrow of Christ’s Passion. The mood is reflective and dimly lit, emphasizing mourning and suspense. 4. On porte le St. Sacrement dans le tombeau (Carrying the Holy Sacrament to the tomb): A dramatized procession brings the Blessed Sacrament to a symbolic tomb, reenacting Christ's burial. A canopy is held aloft over the clergy, indicating reverence and sacredness. 5. Le feu nouveau le jour du Samedi Saint (The new fire on Holy Saturday): A group of clerics kindles the sacred fire used to light the Paschal candle, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. 6. Bénédiction du cierge pascal (Blessing of the Paschal candle): The central ritual of Easter Vigil, the large candle—representing the light of the risen Christ—is blessed and prepared to burn throughout the Easter season. Each scene is intricately detailed, capturing the solemn choreography, ritual vestments, and sacred spaces of 18th-century Catholic ceremony. The artist pays close attention to clerical gestures, altar furnishings, and architectural settings, making this a valuable historical document as well as a piece of devotional art. Condition report: Good condition with strong plate marks and excellent detail. Minor age toning and foxing are visible around the margins. The paper is stable and untrimmed, preserving the full visual frame. Framing suggestions: This vertically aligned six-scene composition benefits from a tall rectangular frame with an archival cream mat that subtly separates the rows. Use a dark wood or black frame to contrast with the fine engraving lines and enhance the sense of gravity. UV-filtering glass is recommended for long-term preservation. A float mount can also be considered to showcase the full plate mark and deckled edges.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1730-1739
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1734
  • Condition:
    Good condition with strong plate marks and excellent detail. Minor age toning and foxing are visible around the margins. The paper is stable and untrimmed, preserving the full visual frame.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13806-291stDibs: LU3054345016782

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