Large & Rare 17th Century Italian Antique Wax Papal Seal Representing Pope Innocent XI Dated 1677

A large 17th-century antique wax papal seal of oval form representing Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689).

The seal portrays an image of the Pope kneeling, the edge embellished with Latin Script. Verso, an Agnus Dei (an image of the Lamb of God) again embellished with Latin Script and dated “1677”.  

About Pope Innocent XI

Pope Innocent XI (16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21 September 1676 until his death.

Political and religious tensions with Louis XIV of France were a constant preoccupation for Innocent XI.

Within the Papal States, he lowered taxes, produced a surplus in the papal budget, and refused to accept nepotism within the Church.

He was frugal in his governance of the Papal States, his methods evident in matters ranging from his manner of dress to a wide range of standards of personal behavior consistent with his conception of Christian values.

Once he was elected to the papacy, he applied himself to moral and administrative reform of the Roman Curia. He abolished sinecures and pushed for greater simplicity in preaching as well as greater reverence in worship, requesting this of both the clergy and the faithful. In consideration of his diplomatic and financial support for efforts to free Hungary from Turkish domination and The Ottoman Empire, he is still widely referred to in the country as the “Saviour of Hungary”.

Moves towards his canonization, starting in 1791, caused considerable controversy over the years. This was stopped on several occasions. He was finally beatified in 1956 by Pope Pius XII.

Provenance – From a private Italian collection.

Condition – Please refer to the images. There is surface dirt and wear commensurate with age. Verso, the base of the seal below the image of Agnus Dei, has a loss. The seal still displays well. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size – Height 15 cm x Width 12 cm (5 7/8″ x 4 3/4″)