Pope Alexander VII
This papal coat of arms belonged to Pope Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi), who reigned from 1655 to 1667.
The shield is "quartered," combining the heraldic symbols of two prominent Italian families:
- The Chigi Family (Top Right & Bottom Left): Represented by six mountains (a "trimount" of six peaks) topped by an eight-pointed star. The family motto, Micat in Vertice, translates to "It shines at the summit".
- The Della Rovere Family (Top Left & Bottom Right): Represented by an oak tree with acorns. This was the family of Pope Julius II, who granted the Chigi family the right to use his arms in 1503 as a mark of favor.
Surmounted by the papal tiara (triple crown) and the crossed keys of Saint Peter, which symbolize the Pope's spiritual and temporal authority.
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. The Franciscan Order was a cornerstone of the Habsburgs' global empire.
Historical Meaning: The print likely commemorates a significant moment of cooperation or a formal "dedication" from the Spanish Crown to the Pope. During this era, the Spanish Kings were the self-proclaimed "defenders of the faith," and the Franciscan order was their primary missionary arm in the New World.
The primary connection between Pope Alexander VII and the Spanish Habsburgs was a strategic political alliance. Spain favored and actively supported his election to the papacy, while the French crown, led by Cardinal Mazarin, strongly opposed it.
- Papal Election: Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi) was elected after a lengthy conclave where the "Spanish faction" of cardinals, as well as the Spanish ambassador, eventually supported his candidacy.
- Foreign Policy Favoritism: Once in power, Alexander VII favored Spanish interests in their ongoing territorial disputes with Portugal, which had recently re-established its independence from the Spanish crown.
- Opposition to France: His entire pontificate was marked by hostility from the French monarchy. King Louis XIV and Cardinal Mazarin viewed him as a Spanish puppet, leading to significant diplomatic friction, including a refusal by France to participate in his calls for a crusade against the Turks until late in his reign.
- Strategic Alliances: He provided diplomatic support to the Austrian Habsburgs in Vienna, notably assisting in the imperial election of Leopold I as Holy Roman Emperor in 1658.
- Mediation of Conflict: Despite his leanings, he felt pressure to maintain peace between the two major Catholic powers. He urged for an end to the Franco-Spanish War, although negotiations were often stalled by the personal demands of the Spanish King, Philip IV.
Spanish Royal Coat of Arms
This is the shield of the Spanish Habsburgs (likely Philip IV, reigned 1621–1665), topped by a royal crown and surrounded by the Order of the Golden Fleece.
- Quartered Shield: The central shield features the combined arms of various territories, including Castile and León (castle and lion), Aragon and Sicily (vertical bars and eagles), and the lower sections representing Austria, Burgundy, Brabant, and Flanders.
- Order of the Golden Fleece: The shield is surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
- Royal Crown: It is surmounted by a royal crown, symbolizing the sovereign authority of the Spanish monarchy.
Print Details
- Angel with Papal Regalia: An angel holds a papal staff (ferula) and mitre, symbolizing that the Pope's authority is divinely granted and protected.
- Cherubs and the Sacred Heart: In the bottom right, cherubs surround an Immaculate Heart (or Sacred Heart), a popular Baroque devotion symbolizing the burning love of God.
- The main scene depicts Saint Francis of Assisi (identifiable by his hooded habit and tonsure) kneeling in ecstasy before a vision of Jesus Christ holding the cross.
- The Vision: This represents the profound "conformity" of St. Francis to Christ, a central theme in Franciscan spirituality.
This print has most likely only been printed once or twice and have been gifted to the church and/or to the Spanish-Habsburg family and throne. It has been professionally framed, with gold leaf and brown textile inner frame.
If you are interested in purchasing the framed print, please contact me through email for more information.
lunaannaritarelics@gmail.com
