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Guardian of Order: Handcolored Print of a National Guard, Plate 37, 1862 This finely detailed handcolored lithograph, Guardian of Order, is Plate 37 from the 1862 second edition of Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome, illustrated by G. Perugini. It features a soldier of the Garde Nationale (National Guard), a force established to protect and maintain civil order within the Papal States. The guard is depicted in a striking uniform of a blue jacket with red accents, complemented by white trousers and brown boots. He wears an ornate helmet with a vivid red plume, adding ceremonial flair to his attire. Holding a rifle, his stance exudes readiness and vigilance, reflecting the dual ceremonial and practical nature of his role. The National Guard played an important role in the security of the Papal States during the 19th century, acting as a civil defense force and symbol of authority. Their uniforms blended functionality with aesthetic grandeur, ensuring they made an imposing and dignified presence in both official functions and everyday duties. This lithograph captures the historical significance and ceremonial elegance of the National Guard, making it an ideal addition for collectors of military history, antique prints, or the traditions of 19th-century Rome. The vivid coloring and attention to detail are a testament to the craftsmanship 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) - National Guard (Plate 37) - Swiss Guard Officer (Plate 39) - Dean of Palfreniers (Plate 94) This lithograph is a beautiful depiction of 19th-century military traditions, celebrating the ceremonial and functional role of the National Guard in the Papal States. A perfect collectible for enthusiasts of historical art and military history.
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