
Sr. Guendaline de Raymond, in religion Mother Marie Veronique Giuliani, 1873.
The formality of the setting – the damask covered table, the rich crucifix – correspond to her rank as abbess, shown by the long train, an emblem of jurisdiction.
This nun, definitely a beauty, strikes a melancholy, elegant and romantic pose. Note the curious style of her shoes, of the same material of her dress.
The abbess is beautiful and elegant, indeed.

Cardinal Giuseppe Ugolini (1783 + 1867)
The Cardinal is wearing the red tabarro edged with gold braid and red silk stockings, and wears his coat unbuttoned, as usual in the 18th century. Note the elegant, worldly nonchalance of the Cardinal’s pose, and the coiffure à la Brutus, that had been fashionable in his youth.
The cardinal is.... Sorry. I'm speechless.

Unidentified cardinal.
The ferraioletto is attached to his shoulders; note the red silk lining of his coat, and the large three cornered hat with red cords and tassels on the table.
Hmmm. The shoes - and the elegant show of the leg....

Canon Albini, Vigevano
A canon of the cathedral of Vigevano.
Again, while wearing the cassock and ferraiolo, this canon from Vigevano has the traditional three cornered hat, but smaller in size than the enormous Roman ones.
I wonder. Is the canon a visionary?
From New Liturgical Movement.
A series of historical photographs have recently come to light, coming from the papers of a Roman princely family and taken between 1850 and 1880 by the famous Roman photographers, D’Alessandri. These photographs show not only members of fashionable Roman society, but also include photographs of a number of prelates and ecclesiastics, almost all of whom were of noble birth. Most of these wear the traditional abito corto, while several others wear either the new abito Piano, or formal choir dress.
The old pictures in the series truly are marvelous. Even as I laughed, I found the old photographs fascinating. Customs and fashions change, and, no doubt, future generations will howl with laughter at the fashions of today.
Thanks to Lapin for the link.






