Altobelli / d'Alessandri - Papal benediction at San...

TITLE Papal benediction at San Giovanni in Laterano under Pius IX, Rome, 1860s SUMMARY Large-format albumen photograph of the facade of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, during a solemn papal benediction from the central loggia, 1860s. The piazza is filled with a kneeling crowd, ranks of papal troops and waiting carriages. The scene predates the end of papal rule in Rome in 1870, after which the Lateran benediction was no longer given. The photograph is unsigned; comparable views are recorded by the Fratelli D’Alessandri and Gioacchino Altobelli. DESCRIPTION Elevated frontal view of the east facade of San Giovanni in Laterano, taken from a rooftop facing the basilica; terracotta roof tiles are visible in the lower left foreground. The facade by Alessandro Galilei is shown in full, with its crowning statues and the figure of Christ with the cross at the apex. The entablature inscription is partly legible: ‘CLEMENS XII PONT MAX ANNO’ at left and ‘[...]ON SS IOAN BAPT ET EVANG’ at right. A large white awning is stretched across the central bay below the pediment, held by ropes running diagonally across the facade. In the central loggia, two flabella (ceremonial feather fans) and a group of clergy are visible, indicating the presence of the pope. A draped banner hangs from the loggia parapet. Spectators also fill the flanking loggias. Before the steps, a dense crowd with parasols kneels, with massed ranks of troops behind. In the middle ground, a long line of mounted papal cavalry with white crossbelts is seen from behind. The foreground shows rows of carriages with coachmen, some raising their hats, a mounted officer at right, and a group of women in light dresses. Horses and some figures are blurred by movement during the exposure. Left of the basilica are the dome of the Cappella Corsini and adjoining buildings; the Lateran Palace is at right. The benediction from the Lateran loggia was one of the annual solemn papal blessings, given on Ascension Day. After 1870 it was suspended for 63 years and resumed only in 1933. The presence of papal troops therefore places the photograph before September 1870, in the pontificate of Pius IX. senato senato PHOTOGRAPHER Unidentified photographer. An untitled view of the papal benediction from the Lateran loggia, c.1860–1865, is recorded as the work of the Fratelli D’Alessandri. A similar subject, c.1868, is attributed to Gioacchino Altobelli. Possibly one of these photographers. aruba pinterest PERIOD 1860s, before 1870 TECHNIQUE Albumen silver print, mounted on larger card COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Papal States (Italy) DIMENSIONS Image: 20.4 × 26.0 cm; mounted on larger card CONDITION Warm, even tone with good detail in the architecture and statuary; slight softening of contrast in the highlights. A few small dark spots, including one below the central banner and one on the left part of the inscription. Light surface soiling. The mount is toned, with scattered small foxing spots and a short tear in its lower edge below the print, not affecting the image. KEYWORDS Rome, Italy, San Giovanni in Laterano, papal benediction, Pius IX, Papal States, papal army, albumen print, 1860s, Fratelli D’Alessandri

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