[Cardinal Binding] - Canon Missae - 1658

RILEGATURA CARDINALIZIA, IN FOLIO - IL MESSALE DI ALESSANDRO VII
Fine Roman edition of the Canon Missae, printed by the Apostolic Chamber in 1658 during the pontificate of Alexander VII Chigi. The volume, in large format, represents the central core of the Tridentine Catholic liturgy, with text in red and black according to traditional liturgical typography. The presence of cardinal insignia on the frontispiece and on the binding emphasizes its official and solemn character, making it an object of display as well as of worship.
MARKET VALUE
Roman liturgical editions of the XVII century, especially with contemporary heraldic binding and papal arms, are consistently sought after in the international antique market. Exemplars in good condition, complete and with sharp impressions in red and black, generally fall within a range of 500 to 1,000 euros, with potential increases in the presence of identifiable heraldry or illustrious provenance.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Contemporary full calf binding, double gilt frame around the boards, central gold-pressed coat of arms; smooth spine without title. Text printed in red and black. Frontispiece within an architectural border engraved with the cardinal’s arms under Pope Alexander VII; a large full-page engraving. Pages with some browning and foxing. In ancient books, with a multigenerational history, a few imperfections may be present that are not always noted in the description. Pp. (2); 164; (2).

FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Canon Missae.
Romae, Typis Vatican, 1658.
AA.VV.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Canon Missae constitutes the immutable heart of the Eucharistic celebration in the Roman rite, fixed in definitive form after the Council of Trent. The 1658 edition sits within the Baroque Rome context, during the pontificate of Alexander VII (1655–1667), characterized by strong artistic and liturgical impetus. The red-and-black printing, typical of official liturgical texts, highlights recitational parts and rubrics, ensuring ceremonial clarity.

The presence of cardinal heraldry and heraldic binding underscores the institutional value of the volume, probably intended for official ecclesiastical use or for commissioning by high rank.

PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
Printed by the Apostolic Chamber, the official printing office of the Holy See, the volume belongs to the liturgical production destined for chapters, cathedrals, and church dignitaries.

Roman editions of this period, especially in large format and with contemporaneous heraldic bindings, had a controlled and institutional distribution. Exemplars preserved in similar conditions are today relatively rare on the antique market.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
ICCU/OPAC SBN, record for Canon Missae, Rome, Typis Camerae Apostolicae, 1658.
EDIT16/Seicentine (ICCU), catalogs of 17th-century Roman printings.
British Library Catalogue, Liturgical Books, Rome, 17th century.
USTC (Universal Short Title Catalogue), Roman liturgical editions of the Seicento.
De Ricci, Seymour, Catalogue of Liturgical Printed Books, London, pp. 210–215.
Baudrier, Henri, La typographie romaine au XVIIe siècle, Lyon, pp. 145–152.
Studi sul pontificato di Alessandro VII (DBI – Treccani, entry Alessandro VII).