Book box - Lateran Basilica - 1750

An extraordinary, original book concealment with a velvet compartment in the richly gilded coat-of-arms binding of the Lateran Basilica, uniting book art, ecclesiastical representation, and a functional secret compartment in a rare and highly attractive way.

Around 1750. A lavish 18th-century book-with-hidden-compartment bound in contemporary red morocco with rich gold tooling in the haute Romanesque style. The original armorial binding shows in the center the coat of arms of the Sacrosancta Lateranensis Ecclesia (Lateran Basilica), surrounded by a fine floral border, angel figures, insignia, and gilded emblems. The spine features rich gold ornamentation and a title plate Pars Aestiva, original marbled endpapers. 29 x 21 cm

The binding is hollowed out and contains a precisely fitted velvet compartment for discreet storage of valuable documents, devotional items, or precious objects. Such book safes in an original armorial binding are exceptionally rare and represent a fascinating fusion of bookbinding, craftsmanship, and courtly-ecclesiastical display.

The central coat of arms is unambiguously attributable to the Lateran Basilica (San Giovanni in Laterano), the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and thus the mother church of the Catholic Church. The style, quality, and workmanship point to a Roman court or curial context from the 18th century.

The cover shows age-appropriate signs of use, with some corners experiencing stronger wear; however, the gold embossing is largely well preserved.