L’Idee Generale du Conclave de L’Exaltation des Papes, de Leur Pompe Funebre, et des Differentes Iuridictions de la Cour de Rome.

The General Idea of ​​the Conclave of the Exaltation of the Popes, of Their Funeral Pomp, and of the Different Jurisdictions of the Court of Rome – Approximate Title Translation

A fascinating visual overview of the papal conclave that includes a reproduction of the procession, a view of St. Peters, a plan of the Apostolic Palace, and a scene of the assembly. The copperplate-engraved sheet was originally published in Paris as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was re-printed in numerous in several subsequent editions until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century.