Very rare and beautiful panorama representing the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament which took place every year in the Vatican, on “Thursday after Pentecost”. It consists of a title, an illustrated sheet with the text giving the history of this procession, printed in Italian and French, and 33 superb plates forming a frieze of more than 13 meters, all hand colored and heightened with gold. Absolutely complete copy, preserved in its original case in full morocco with the arms of Pope Gregory XVI (1765-1846).

These plates were engraved after drawings by the Maltese artist Salvatore Busuttil (1798-1854). The latter realistically represented more than 750 people there, as well representatives of the people of all levels of society, both Italian and foreign personalities, ecclesiastics, soldiers, etc. Each representative character bears a number which refers to a caption in the lower margin of each plate. It is therefore not only a historical document but also a painting of the society of the time and a formidable gallery of costumes. The plates are in perfect condition, all magnificently handcoloured and heightened with gold.

Very rare on the market, the copy described in the Abbey collection was incomplete.

Some occasional foxing, some occasional restoration to the silk joints; some light restoration to the original slipcase.

Provenance : John Vincent Hornyold (bookplate).