A. Radaelli e C. Torino - Pensieri Cristiani - 1900

The image shows an antique Catholic liturgical prayer book from the 19th century with a finely carved mother-of-pearl cover and a violet velvet binding. Main featuresCover: Inlayed mother-of-pearl finely carved with a bas-relief depicting an angel standing on the clouds before a gleaming cross.Details: Violet velvet spine with a small metal filigree clasp or clasp on the side.Policy period: Probably dating from the second half of the 19th century (about 1860–1900), often associated with devotional or collectible editions of the era such as prayer books or “diamonds” of the spirit.

The firm "A. Radaelli e C." of Turin was an important and refined Piedmontese publishing and binding house active at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. Specifically, the Radaelli firm specialized in the production of fine liturgical books. Among its flagship products were:Pocket or parade prayer books, often commissioned as precious gifts for important spiritual milestones, such as First Communion or Matrimony.Art bindings, characterized by the combined use of luxurious materials such as silk velvet, hand-carved mother-of-pearl, ivory, and closures in brass or chased silver. The company, historically indicated in old catalogs as "A. Radaelli e C. Editori," fit into the rich typographic tradition of 19th-century Turin, serving the bourgeoisie and aristocracy of the time with editions cared for in the finest aesthetic details. This mark printed on the frontispiece or inside pages confirms the authenticity and Italian (Sabaudian) origin of the artifact.