Lot 4079: (Extra Images) Papal Court of Pius IX Portraits of figures of the Papal court in the ...

Photographer: Fratelli d'Alessandri (Antonio d'Alessandri [1818 - 1893] and Paolo Francesco d' Alessandri [1824 - 1889]) and unknown. Portraits of high-ranking figures of the Papal court in the Age of Pius IX. 1860s/70s. 31 finely hand-colored cartes-de-visite albumen prints, most with photographer's logo, address and name, as well as and annotated with sitter's name in pencil/ink in contemporary hand on mount verso. This unusual portrait gallery of the Church State shows not only the Pope himself and some of his high-ranking sacred and secular court dignitaries, but also higher officers of the Papal Guard. Some sitters named (in Italian) on the verso include: Pope Pius IX, Cardinal Prospero Caterini, Mons. Severini, Servant of the Pope, Cross-Bearer, Tiara-Bearer to the Pope, as well as officers of the Gendamerie and Papal Guard. - A few with light spots/ minimal surface rubbing, otherwise most in very good condition and with bright colors.