Curiosities

Roman Catholic Bishop's Pluvial

19th century (1850-1890) Episcopal pluvial, made from silk, heavy metallic thread (gold bullion) embroidery. The symbol on the back is a ''pelican in her piety'', depicting the mother pelican wounding her breast to feed her young with her blood, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice. Radiating glory (sunburst) behind the pelican, grape clusters for Eucharist symbolism. This pluvial is from either Italy or France.

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17th-century Devotional Engraving Pope Alexander VII

This print is a 17th-century devotional engraving that visually celebrates the close alliance between the Spanish Habsburg Monarchy and the Catholic Papacy, using Saint Francis of Assisi as a central bridge between earthly power and divine authority.

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