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Distinguished Duty: Handcolored Print of a Swiss Guard Sergeant, Plate 40, 1862 This striking handcolored lithograph, Distinguished Duty, is Plate 40 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It depicts a Sergeant of the Swiss Guard (Sergent de la Garde Suisse), a key officer within the esteemed corps tasked with protecting the pope and the Vatican. The sergeant is shown in an elaborate uniform characteristic of the Swiss Guard's Renaissance-inspired attire. His black jacket with white piping is complemented by bright orange knee-length breeches and red stockings. He wears a black bicorne hat with a white plume, signifying his rank, and carries a ceremonial staff, reflecting his leadership and authority. The Pontifical Swiss Guard, founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, is renowned for its loyalty and discipline. The sergeant played a pivotal role in maintaining order within the guard, overseeing the duties of the soldiers and ensuring the safety of the pope. Their visually striking uniforms, combining functionality with ceremony, remain an enduring symbol of Vatican tradition. This lithograph captures the richness and historical depth of the Swiss Guard's traditions, making it a fascinating addition for collectors of military art, ecclesiastical history, or antique prints. The vivid colors and precise details bring this iconic figure to life, showcasing the artistry of G. Perugini. 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) - Capitoline Estafier (Plate 31) - Noble Guard (Plate 32) - Garde Civique Officer (Plate 33) - Officer of the Line (Plate 34) - Senate Guard (Plate 35) - Carabinier (Plate 36) - National Guard (Plate 37) - Swiss Guard Sergeant (Plate 40) - Swiss Guard Officer (Plate 39) - Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94) This lithograph is a remarkable celebration of the Swiss Guard's ceremonial and protective roles, making it a perfect addition for enthusiasts of historical and military art or those captivated by the grandeur of Vatican traditions.
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