Engravings for the Mass

Le tableau de la croix representé dans les ceremonies de la Ste. Messe ensemble le tresor de la devotion aux de la devotion aux souffrances de N.S. Jesus-Christ, le tout enrichi de belles figures. Paris: F. Mazot, 1651–1653.

(BRB0149)

Le tableau de la croix, a completely engraved book intended as an accompaniment to the Mass, includes three separate sequences. The largest illustrated series consists of 35 two-page openings or 70 plates devoted to the Mass. Each individual opening includes prayers in Latin and French inscribed between two saints facing the action of the service, often a priest assisted by acolytes officiating before an altar, with a corresponding episode from the Passion of Christ in the top of the image. Christ’s crucifixion is seen above a view of the priest reciting the Pater Noster while the facing plate includes the text of prayers between Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The volume also includes two smaller series with text and imagery devoted to the litany of saints and other psalms and prayers.