ITALY Milan Tombs of St.Ambrose - 1860s Original Antique Print

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:💠 The shipping rates shown are for '1st Class International Package' with tracking.💠 Ebay is also promoting their EIS International Shipping program on sellers pages. I do not use this program because it is more expensive, slower, not very transparent, and frustrating to the buyer, if something goes wrong. Do not select it, if ebay does show it as an option. Thank you. Print Specifics: Type of print: Intaglio, steel engraving - Original fine quality antique printYear of printing: not indicated in the print. Est: 1860s Original artist : Bartlett Publisher: The London Printing and Publishing Company Limited, London & New York. Condition: 1 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair). This print, when I received it, was stained like the one (NOT included) from the same series, shown in the second photo. To save this print and prevent further deterioration, I had it cleaned. Dimensions: 6.5 x 10.5 inches (17 x 26.5 cm), including blank margins (borders) around the image. Paper weight (thickness): 2-3 (1. Thick - 2. Heavier - 3. Medium heavy - 4. Slightly heavier - 5. Thin) Reverse side: BlankNotes: 1. Green color around the print in the photo is a contrasting background on which the print was photographed. 2. Print detail is much sharper than the photo of the print. Original Narrative: TOMB OF ST. AMBROSE The relics of architecture and superstition that are here presented, are, perhaps, the most interesting in this ancient city. A large rude stone pulpit, like the rostrum whence the Roman orators declaimed, and which was spacious enough to permit the speaker to walk about, stands on the north side of the choir; the modern pulpit is a wrong deduction from the suggestum of the ancients, which gave more freedom of action, and therefore of thought, to the speaker. Beneath the high altar, the bones of Saint Ambrose are believed to repose; surrounded by those of his brother Satyr, his sister Marcellina, and Saints Gervase and Protase. A pilaster, near the tomb, is distinguished by a figure of the saint, the face of which is of black marble, while the costume is of lighter colours. The inscription states that it was copied from life; a strange circumstance, if true, as the original was a native of Gaul. Beneath the pulpit is a large sarcophagus of white marble, supposed to be the tomb of Stilicho, the imperial general, and of his wife Serena, the adopted daughter of Theodosius. Two great slabs, at the eastern end of the choir, both completely covered with posthumous praises, shelter the remains of Louis II., a famous warrior and lawgiver; and of Anspent, archbishop of Milan, whose noble qualities are elegantly described in one short line—"Effector voti,propositique tenax." A curious mosaic chair, in the choir, represents our Saviour on a golden throne, embellished with precious stones, with Saints Gervase and Protase seated near him. In another, of an earlier date, perhaps the ninth century. Saint Ambrose appears to have fallen asleep while at mass; while a sacristan is striking him on the shoulder, and pointing to the people waiting.—Fenelon fell asleep during the sermon, but in a sitting attitude; Saint Ambrose was standing before the altar when he yielded to the drowsy influence. The nave boasts another relic, not less revered than those described, but less entitled to the character of originality; this is a brazen serpent, said to be the identical typical image which Moses set up in the desert. In England, where relics have long since ceased to be respected, the credulity of the Milanese must be inconceivable. These deluded people entertain a belief, that at the end of the world this serpent will utter loud sibilations ; and when, during the progress of some repairs and cleaning of the church, the serpent's head was accidentally turned towards the door, the utmost terror prevailed in the city—a terror only removed-by the speedy restoration of the reptile to its original posture. One object remains to be spoken of, more valuable and affecting than all the silly fragments which hypocrisy here presents to credulity; this is an exquisite fresco painting, by Borgognone, of Christ in his agony, supported by two angels. Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy! Any print purchased from me may be returned for any (or no) reason for a full refund including all postage. Internet seller since 1998.Five-star service.