Items Similar to Rare 18th Century View of a Papal Ceremony in the Vatican, 1734
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Rare 18th Century View of a Papal Ceremony in the Vatican, 1734
About the Item
Title: Interior View of the Pope’s Chapel, Engraved by Bernard Picart, 1734
Description:
This finely detailed copperplate engraving titled "La Chapelle du Pape" (The Pope’s Chapel) is an exceptional example of 18th-century religious and architectural illustration. Originally published in 1734 as part of the monumental work 'The Ceremonies and Religious Customs of Various Nations of the Known World', this image was drawn by the eminent engraver Bernard Picart and executed with extraordinary skill by C. Du Bosc. The engraving offers a rare and elaborate depiction of the interior of the Pope’s private chapel, likely representing the Sistine Chapel or a similarly grand papal venue used for significant religious ceremonies.
This print is not only an architectural study, but also a socio-religious document. The composition is masterfully structured, with vanishing-point perspective guiding the eye down the vast, vaulted hall lined with towering pilasters and coffered ceilings. The chamber is richly populated with figures: clergy, nobility, and lay spectators, all attending a formal ecclesiastical event. The gathering is clearly ceremonial, possibly a papal mass or conclave, illustrated with reverence and solemnity. The architectural scale is imposing, dwarfing the human figures and underlining the majesty and grandeur of papal authority.
Picart’s dedication to documentary accuracy and Du Bosc’s precision in engraving ensure that the viewer gains not only an artistic impression but a detailed visual record of early 18th-century Catholic ritual and environment. These engravings were part of a larger Enlightenment project to catalogue and understand the religious practices of various cultures, and they stand today as key visual sources for historians of religion, art, and architecture.
Condition report:
This print is in good condition for its age. The paper is a fine-quality, handmade laid paper with wide margins. There is minor age-related toning and edge wear, particularly along the right margin, but the plate impression is sharp, and the ink remains crisp and legible. No tears or repairs are present within the plate area. Verso is blank.
Framing suggestions:
To preserve and enhance this historic piece, it is recommended to use a museum-quality mat in a neutral tone, such as ivory or soft grey, with UV-protective glazing. A classic black or dark walnut wood frame with minimal ornamentation would provide an elegant contrast to the intricacy of the engraving. Floating the print within the frame to show the full deckled edge can further emphasize its authenticity and craftsmanship.
- 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:This print is in good condition for its age. The paper is a fine-quality, handmade laid paper with wide margins. There is minor age-related toning and edge wear, particularly along the right margin, but the plate impression is sharp.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13806-361stDibs: LU3054345016162
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,439 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllStriking 18th-Century Engraving of Papal Chronology and Symbols of the Vatican
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Striking 18th-Century Engraving of Papal Chronology and Symbols of the Vatican
This beautifully detailed 18th-century engraving, 'Pontificum Romanorum Series Chronologica'...
Category
Antique 1740s Prints
Materials
Paper
Mexican Marriage and Childhood Ceremonies as Imagined in the 18th Century, 1734
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Marriage and Infant Rituals among the Mexicans, Engraving from 1734
Description: This richly detailed 18th-century copperplate engraving, published in 1723, offers a fascinat...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
Sun Worship Rituals of the Floridians Depicted in Sacrificial Ceremonies, 1734
Located in Langweer, NL
Title:
Sun Worship Rituals of the Floridians Depicted in Sacrificial and Offering Ceremonies
Description:
This dramatic 18th-century copperplate engraving presents two related ritua...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
Religious Ceremony of the Inhabitants of the Island of Hispaniola, 1734
Located in Langweer, NL
Religious Ceremony of the Inhabitants of the Island of Hispaniola, 1734
Description:
This vividly hand-colored copperplate engraving, issued in 1734 in Bernard Picart’s monumental w...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
The Ceremonies of the Low Mass – Complete Engraved Cycle in Three Plates, 1734
Located in Langweer, NL
The Ceremonies of the Low Mass – Complete 18th-Century Engraved Cycle in Three Plates
This rare and beautifully preserved set of three 18th-century copperplate engravings forms a co...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
Indian Brahmin Penitents and Pilgrim – Rare 18th Century Ritual Engraving, 1734
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Indian Brahmin Penitents and Pilgrim – Rare 18th Century Ritual Engraving
Description:
This compelling copperplate engraving from the 18th century offers a rare visual study ...
Category
Antique 1730s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Rare Burlesque Engraving print Rancor Cuts the Hat of Ragotin, 18th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Engraving by Louis de Surgis de Surugue after a painting by Jacques Dumont dit Le Romain.
It is part of a series of 16 engravings illustrating "Le Rom...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Three 18th Century Hand Coloured Orientalist Views of Egypt, Circa 1740
By Frederik Ludvig Norden
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
These fine mid 18th century orientalist hand coloured engravings with full margins, were originally drawn in 1737 by Frederik Ludvig Norden, then engraved & printed by Markus Tuscher in 1743 & 1744.
Frederik Ludvig Norden (1708-1742) was a Danish naval officer, cartographer & archaeologist who travelled down the Nile through Egypt into the Sudan during the years 1737-1738. The account of his travels 'Voyage d' Egypt et de Nubie' was published over a decade after his death, along with these & other engravings of his drawings by Markus Tuscher (1705-1751). These plates are considered to be the earliest & most significant illustrations drawn prior to Dominique Vivant Denon...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Egyptian Other Prints
Materials
Paper
18th Century Italian Milan View Etching by Aspari Domenico 1788
By Domenico Aspari
Located in Milano, MI
A rare view of Milan, an 18th century Italian etching and burin engraving with original ebonized walnut frame and glass depicting San Paolo delle Monache a Milan view, dated 1788, by...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Prints
Materials
Paper, Canvas, Walnut
City View of Nuremberg, Germany: An 18th Century Hand-Colored Map by M. Seutter
By Matthew Seutter
Located in Alamo, CA
An 18th century hand-colored city view of Nuremburg, Germany entitled "Geometrischer Grundris der des Heiligen Römischen Reichs Freyen Stadt Nürnberg" by Matthaus Seutter from his "A...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century German Maps
Materials
Paper
18th Century Map of Paris
Located in Washington, DC
18th century map of Paris.
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique 18th Century Map of the Province of Pensilvania 'Pennsylvania State'
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique of the colony of Pennsylvania.
Noted at the top of the sheet as a 'Map of the province of Pensilvania'.
This undated and anonymous map is thought to be from the Gentleman's Magazine, London, circa 1775, although the general appearance could date it to the 1760's.
The southern boundary reflects the Mason-Dixon survey (1768), the western boundary is placed just west of Pittsburgh, and the northern boundary is not marked.
The map has a number of reference points that likely refer to companion text and appear to be connected to boundaries. The western and southern boundaries are marked Q, R, S, for example. A diagonal line runs from the Susquehanna R to the Lake Erie P. A broken line marked by many letters A, B, N, O, etc., appears in the east.
There are no latitude or longitude markings, blank verso.
Framed in a shaped contemporary gilt wooden frame and matted under a cream colored matte.
Bearing an old Graham Arader Gallery...
Category
Antique 18th Century British American Colonial Maps
Materials
Paper