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AN IMPORTANT HISTORIC CASED IVORY AND EBONY CRUCIFIX, PRESENTED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PIUS IX TO EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN I OF MEXICO, CIRCA 1864
Christ realistically rendered in carved ivory, set on a ebony cross. Mounted with the gold monogram of Emperor Maximilian I. Cased within a pebble finished leather bound box, lined with royal blue and white satin, highlighted by blue and white piping
The Crucifix: 14 inches (35.5 cms.) long, 6 1/8 inches (15.5 cms.) wide The case: 16½ inches (42 cms.) x 8 inches (20.3 cms.)
Presented to Emperor Maximilian during his audience at the the Holy See, prior to his departure to Mexico City. The Vatican had hoped that the Catholic Emperor would permanently dispose the "infedel" ruler of Mexico, Benito Jaurez. The unusual expediancy of a union of interests of both God and Napoleon III of France, brought forth the candidacy of Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Austria for the position, hitherto unknown, for an Emperor of Mexico. This Crucifix was presented to Emperor Maximilian upon his blessing by His Holiness.
This Crucifix was later given to Senora Degallado by the Emperor's confession Father Fischer after the Emperor was deposed and executed. Senora Degallado, the Empresses' lady-in-waiting, was the daughter of a wealthy Virginian family. She had married General Don Mariano Degallado of Mexico, who became the Emperor's emissary to Washington, D.C. Senor Degallado's mission to bring the United States and the Imperial government of Mexico into discussions over the Monroe Doctrine fell on deaf ears.
Christ realistically rendered in carved ivory, set on a ebony cross. Mounted with the gold monogram of Emperor Maximilian I. Cased within a pebble finished leather bound box, lined with royal blue and white satin, highlighted by blue and white piping
The Crucifix: 14 inches (35.5 cms.) long, 6 1/8 inches (15.5 cms.) wide The case: 16½ inches (42 cms.) x 8 inches (20.3 cms.)
Presented to Emperor Maximilian during his audience at the the Holy See, prior to his departure to Mexico City. The Vatican had hoped that the Catholic Emperor would permanently dispose the "infedel" ruler of Mexico, Benito Jaurez. The unusual expediancy of a union of interests of both God and Napoleon III of France, brought forth the candidacy of Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Austria for the position, hitherto unknown, for an Emperor of Mexico. This Crucifix was presented to Emperor Maximilian upon his blessing by His Holiness.
This Crucifix was later given to Senora Degallado by the Emperor's confession Father Fischer after the Emperor was deposed and executed. Senora Degallado, the Empresses' lady-in-waiting, was the daughter of a wealthy Virginian family. She had married General Don Mariano Degallado of Mexico, who became the Emperor's emissary to Washington, D.C. Senor Degallado's mission to bring the United States and the Imperial government of Mexico into discussions over the Monroe Doctrine fell on deaf ears.
Literature
Conger, Roger N., Texas Collector: Gaines de Graffenried, Texian Press, Waco, 1987, pages 68 and 99-101.
Conger, Roger N., The Maximilian Collection, Texas Ranger Annual, Volume II, page 24.
Conger, Roger N., The Maximilian Collection, Texas Ranger Annual, Volume II, page 24.
Special notice
Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.