Italian Religious Carta Gloria Frame Altar Cards - Set of 3

Description

A rare complete set of three vintage Italian ecclesiastical hand carved parcel gilt cream painted "Carta Gloria" altar cards and … more A rare complete set of three vintage Italian ecclesiastical hand carved parcel gilt cream painted "Carta Gloria" altar cards and frames.

Italy, 20th century, commissioned by/for the Catholic church, Neoclassical architectural inspired wooden frames, with triangular pediment, laurel wreath crest, glass panel display, flanked by gilded fiolated handle accents, rising on splayed feet, having wall mounting hardware to verso for wall hanging, retaining original altar cards written in Latin.

Placed on the altar during the Tridentine Mass, cartagloria altar cards contain specific prayers that the priest must say during the Mass, and their only purpose is as a memory aid, although as with most objects in the Catholic church, they are usually very beautifully decorated.

The church places strict rules and regulations regarding altar cards, such as what is included on them, the order, and even their placement. They may only stand on the altar during Mass. The center one stands against the Tabernacle, altar cross or other support, and the left and right ones stand against either the altar candlesticks or the superstructural gradine steps of the altar.

After Mass, they must either be removed or placed face downwards under the altar cover. The cards must be removed for the devotional Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Dimensions: (approx)
Largest: 15" Tall, 15.25" Wide;

Exceedingly rare; Trying to find a single authentic Carta Gloria has become exceptionally difficult. Many churches have phased out the practice over the last few centuries, making them harder and harder to find. Today they make for wonderful religious folk art / tabletop decor / sculptural wall hanging panels. This scarce, highly desirable complete set of three museum quality examples, with the added bonus of three cards, is a truly remarkable, and almost certainly one-off opportunity! less