Dominicaine Religious Order Portrait, Handcolored Antique Print, 1862

Dominicaine Religious Order Portrait, Handcolored Antique Print, 1862

This captivating handcolored lithograph, titled Dominicaine, is Plate 74 from the second edition of the renowned 1862 publication Album ou Collection Complète, et Historique des Costumes de la Cour de Rome. The artwork, drawn by G. Perugini and printed by the Maison Silvestre in Paris, vividly portrays a Dominican nun engrossed in study at a small wooden table, embodying the contemplative and scholarly traditions of the Dominican Order.

Founded by Saint Dominic in 1216, the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) is dedicated to prayer, study, and the dissemination of theological teachings. The nun depicted is dressed in the classic Dominican habit: a white tunic symbolizing purity, covered by a black mantle representing penance. This costume remains in use today among Dominican nuns and sisters worldwide, including in active convents across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Dominican nuns have historically been pivotal in preserving Christian teachings and cultural heritage, contributing to education and healthcare. Their tradition of study and dedication is reflected in this serene and detailed portrayal, making this piece not just an artwork but a window into ecclesiastical history.

This print stands out for its vibrant handcoloring and the precise depiction of the costume and setting. It offers collectors a unique glimpse into 19th-century religious iconography and its enduring legacy.

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:

1. The Pope in Grand Ceremony

2. Sovereign Pontiff Celebrating Mass

3. His Holiness Receiving

4. Cardinal of the Order of Bishops

5. Cardinal Priest

6. Cardinal Deacon

7. Cardinal in Choir Attire

8. Cardinal in Mozzetta

9. Cardinal in City Habit

10. Bishop in Pontifical Costume

11. Latin Greek Bishop

12. Syrian Bishop

13. Armenian Bishop

14. Conservator of Relics

15. Prelate of the Small Mantle

16. Prelate of the Grand Mantle

17. Ordinary Canon

18. Penitentiary

19. Master of Ceremonies

20. Chamberlain of Honor

21. Interior Valet

22. Prince Assisting the Throne

23. Dean of the Palfreniers

24. Senator and Pages

25. Secret Chamberlain, Knight of Cape and Sword

26. Coadjutor

27. Porter of the Sedia

28. Dean of the Cardinals’ Servants

29. Estafette of the Capitol

30. Noble Guard

31. Civic Guard

32. Officer of the Line

33. Senate Guard

34. Carabinier

35. National Guard

36. General of the Swiss Guard

37. Swiss Guard Officer

38. Swiss Guard Sergeant

39. Swiss Guard Fifer

40. Swiss Guard in Cuirass

41. Swiss in Small Uniform

42. Swiss Drum

43. Franciscan

44. Carthusian

45. Capuchin Friar

46. Jesuit

47. Reformed Redemptorist

48. Servant of the Sick

49. Priest of the Order of Minims

50. Camaldolese Benedictine

51. Dominican

52. Maronite

53. Discalced Carmelite

54. Passionist

55. Discalced Monk

56. Trinitarian

57. Friar of the Pious Schools

58. Monk of Cîteaux

59. Augustinian

60. Sylvestrine

61. Barnabite

62. Regular Canon of Saint-Sauveur

63. Benedictine of Monte Cassino

64. Hermit

65. Minor Regular Cleric

66. Conventual

67. Pilgrim

68. Carmelite

69. Apostoline

70. Augustine

71. Capuchine

72. Dominican

73. Ursuline

74. Redemption Sister

75. Religious of Perpetual Adoration

76. Benedictine

77. Zoccolate

78. Canonesses of Latran

This comprehensive description and historical insights add depth and appeal to your listing, making it an excellent addition to any...