Rococo Silver Bookinding of 18th-century Roman Missal

The Roman missal with attached texts of services for Polish patrons and saints, as well as services on the occasion of the victory at Vienna. It was printed in 1769 in Venice at the Baglioni family’s publishing house which operated since the late 16th century. The value of the Ossolinian copy is emphasized by the rich Rococo binding. The silver frame with a decorative floral and plant ornament is affixed to the golden plaque. The so-called rocaille, that is the favourite rococo motifs that imitate the shapes of stylized seashells, is repeated in the corners of the binding. The cartouche with smooth and jagged contours placed in the centre also imitates the shape of a shell. In its central part there are the Christogram "IHS" (one of the abbreviations of the name of Jesus) and the cross. Flame acanthus leaves and flowers surround the medallion. The style of ornaments placed on the spine includes rococo decorative elements – acanthus leaves and rocaille. It includes silver cast clasps.