Handcolored Lithograph of Chanoine Ordinaire (Ordinary Canon), Plate 17, 1862
This beautifully handcolored lithograph depicts a Chanoine Ordinaire (Ordinary Canon) and is Plate 17 from the 1862 edition of *Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome*, by G. Perugini. The figure is shown in traditional attire, including a white surplice with lace trim, a fur shoulder cape, and a crimson ribbon sash that signifies his clerical status.
Ordinary Canons served as clergy members in collegiate or cathedral chapters, assisting in the administration of liturgical duties and preserving the traditions of the Church. This particular canon holds a prayer book in one hand while gesturing with the other, symbolizing his active engagement in religious and educational duties.
The crimson ribbon, tied at his waist, contrasts elegantly with his black cassock, reflecting his rank and office. The fur cape (mozzetta) was often reserved for colder seasons, adding a layer of distinction to his ecclesiastical uniform.
Historical Context: Ordinary Canons were pivotal in the governance and daily functions of cathedrals, maintaining the liturgical calendar and assisting in community outreach. Their attire, though modest compared to higher clergy, carried symbolic elements of their role within the Church hierarchy.
This lithograph serves as a valuable historical artifact, illustrating the meticulous structure and ceremonial importance of ecclesiastical roles in the 19th century.
Provenance: Published in Paris by L’Aubert and Lemoine in 1862, this lithograph is part of a larger work documenting the ceremonial and clerical dress of the Roman Catholic Church during a time of significant historical and spiritual importance. The detailed artistry of Perugini captures the solemnity and reverence of the Church’s traditions.
Collectors of ecclesiastical art or those interested in Catholic history will appreciate the detail and historical significance of this piece.
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