The Golden Gate, the Iron Crown and John VIII Palaeologus, Lithograph, 1842

An original antique lithograph, hand colored, from the Galleria Universale di Tutti i Popoli del Mondo (Venice, Giuseppe Antonelli, 1842). The upper image shows a monumental gateway of rusticated stone blocks framed by two columns with Corinthian capitals, with another column behind; a file of barefoot soldiers in crested helmets and short white tunics, carrying round shields, marches past it at the left, while at the right a soldier in a gold helmet and crimson tunic rides a chestnut horse with a blue saddlecloth edged in yellow, followed by more men on foot. The lower image shows, on the left, a gold crown in the form of a broad band set with red stones and engraved scrollwork, with hanging pendants; on the right, a gray profile bust of a bearded man wearing a tall domed cap with an upturned pointed brim and a knob at the top, with a light blue wash on the shoulders.

The top margin is lettered "Tom IV", "GRECIA" and "Tav 141". Under the upper image: "Colonna Teodosiana-Porta Aurea" (Theodosian column, Golden Gate). Under the lower image: "Corona Ferrea" (Iron Crown) and "Giovanni 8° Paleologo, col Camelauco" (John VIII Palaeologus, with the camelaucum).

The Porta Aurea, or Golden Gate, was the ceremonial entrance in the land walls of Constantinople built under Theodosius. The Iron Crown, kept in the cathedral of Monza, was used for the coronation of the kings of Italy. John VIII Palaeologus was one of the last Byzantine emperors and attended the Council of Florence in 1438 and 1439; the camelaucum was a domed headdress worn by Byzantine rulers.

A plate of strong historical interest for a collector of Byzantine or Italian history.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.