19th Century Italian Atelier Scroll Drawing

19th-Century Italian Atelier Scroll Drawing
Full Scale Liturgical Ciborium Design • “Ciborio Moderne” Inscription
c. 1820–1870 | 19¾″ × 15¼″ | Original Gilded Wood Scroll Rods

Description:
An exceptional surviving example of 19th century liturgical design, this atelier scroll features a full scale architectural drawing for a ciborium, a religious structure traditionally placed over an altar or sacred niche. Rendered in graphite with precise lines and measured proportions, the design includes an arched opening, stepped supports, and a stylized pediment, with a cross prominently positioned at the center clearly indicating its sacred function.

The drawing is mounted to a linen backing, typical of the period’s workshop practices for reinforcing large scale design documents intended for repeated handling. The scroll retains its original gilded and ivory painted wooden rods at the top and bottom, preserving its functional display format.

On the reverse, the linen backing contains a faint secondary architectural sketch along with the handwritten inscription “Ciborio Moderne,” likely a workshop label identifying this design as a simplified or updated version of the traditional altar ciborium form. This label provides valuable insight into the object’s intended function and stylistic classification within the workshop’s broader production.

Materials & Construction:

• Medium: Graphite on paper

• Backing: Period linen

• Mounting: Original turned wood rods with ivory paint and gilt detailing

• Dimensions: 19¾″ × 15¼″ (50 × 39 cm)

• Condition: Visible foxing, creases, and age wear consistent with functional use in a studio environment. The linen backing shows minor lifting at edges and has a faint graphite sketch and handwritten inscription. Structurally stable and richly patinated.

Key Features:

• Full scale architectural study for a liturgical altar feature

• Clearly labeled “Ciborio Moderne” a rare surviving example with artisan notation

• Linen backing and scroll mounted construction indicate active studio use

• Original gilded rods intact

• Faint reverse sketch adds to its historical and narrative appeal

• Unframed and untouched, preserving its authentic antique character

Display & Styling:
This scroll is beautiful when hung vertically in its original form or could be custom framed to preserve both sides. Ideal for collectors of ecclesiastical antiques, architectural ephemera, or those curating a studio style interior with historic design elements.