Italy - The Roman Supreme Pontiffs - Postcard album (240) - 1903-1903
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€ 160
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Selected by Anton Stikkelman
Over 30 years' trade experience specialising in postcards with a vast international network.
Estimate € 650 - € 800
 | €160 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €150 | |
| €70 |
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A collection of 240 Italian chromolithographic postcards from 1903 depicting the Roman pontiffs, housed in a period Art Nouveau album.
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Description from the seller
Rare Complete Collection “The Supreme Roman Pontiffs” – 240 1903 Chromolithographic Postcards in a Period Art Nouveau Album
Splendid and rare complete collection of the celebrated first series, “The Supreme Roman Pontiffs,” beautifully illustrated by painter L. Ferloni and printed in 1903 by the prestigious F.lli Armanino Lithography of Genoa.
The collection consists of exactly 240 period chromolithographic postcards, all strictly unused (unposted), preserved in their original album, featuring its characteristic floral decoration of lilies or honeysuckle and the profile of a female figure in the Secessionist/Mucha style.
The numbering follows the distinctive “backward” sequence chosen by the publisher: it begins with No. 1 (Pope Leo XIII), who was happily reigning at the time, and ends without any gaps with No. 240 (Pope Saint Stephen I, elected in 254 AD). This precise sequence confirms the complete integrity of the very first, historic edition.
Each postcard features a richly detailed, elegant Liberty/Renaissance-style frame with gilded details, portraits of the pontiffs, heraldic coats of arms, and historical biographical notes. Highlights of the collection include the highly sought-after Renaissance and medieval popes, such as Alexander VI (Borgia), Leo X (Medici), Julius II, and Boniface VIII.
The album containing the collection is a fine period imported volume in pure Art Nouveau style, bearing the blind-stamped mark “The English Manufactory” with a neoclassical Greek-key border.
Condition:
• Postcards: In excellent/very good condition. The chromolithographic colors are remarkably vivid and fresh, and the gold retains its original brilliance. The corners are sound thanks to their protected storage.
• Album: Structurally solid and intact. The interior slots (for the corners) are well preserved and free of any significant tears. The cover shows the normal and charming patina of age, attesting to its authenticity and age of over 120 years.
An exceptional lot in terms of completeness and freshness, perfect for discerning investors and collectors.
Rare Complete Collection “The Supreme Roman Pontiffs” – 240 1903 Chromolithographic Postcards in a Period Art Nouveau Album
Splendid and rare complete collection of the celebrated first series, “The Supreme Roman Pontiffs,” beautifully illustrated by painter L. Ferloni and printed in 1903 by the prestigious F.lli Armanino Lithography of Genoa.
The collection consists of exactly 240 period chromolithographic postcards, all strictly unused (unposted), preserved in their original album, featuring its characteristic floral decoration of lilies or honeysuckle and the profile of a female figure in the Secessionist/Mucha style.
The numbering follows the distinctive “backward” sequence chosen by the publisher: it begins with No. 1 (Pope Leo XIII), who was happily reigning at the time, and ends without any gaps with No. 240 (Pope Saint Stephen I, elected in 254 AD). This precise sequence confirms the complete integrity of the very first, historic edition.
Each postcard features a richly detailed, elegant Liberty/Renaissance-style frame with gilded details, portraits of the pontiffs, heraldic coats of arms, and historical biographical notes. Highlights of the collection include the highly sought-after Renaissance and medieval popes, such as Alexander VI (Borgia), Leo X (Medici), Julius II, and Boniface VIII.
The album containing the collection is a fine period imported volume in pure Art Nouveau style, bearing the blind-stamped mark “The English Manufactory” with a neoclassical Greek-key border.
Condition:
• Postcards: In excellent/very good condition. The chromolithographic colors are remarkably vivid and fresh, and the gold retains its original brilliance. The corners are sound thanks to their protected storage.
• Album: Structurally solid and intact. The interior slots (for the corners) are well preserved and free of any significant tears. The cover shows the normal and charming patina of age, attesting to its authenticity and age of over 120 years.
An exceptional lot in terms of completeness and freshness, perfect for discerning investors and collectors.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
240
Country of origin
Italy
Subject
The Roman Supreme Pontiffs
Year - youngest item
1903
Year - oldest item
1903
Condition
Fine
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