Paul Maria Baumgarten is Pius IX and Leo XIII at the same time

A marvellous photograph of Paul Maria Baumgarten has been preserved, showing him in the vestments of Pius IX. It was first published in the Römische Quartalschrift by Isa-Maria Betz (RQ 2013, 236). Baumgarten's notes now reveal what this was all about.

‘When a colour painting of Leo xiii was needed for the magnificent work on the Catholic Church, I ordered an oil painting of the pope in full pontifical robes from the court painter, Cavaliere Ugolini. During the negotiations Ugolini told me that it was quite impossible that Leo, who was strangely reticent in these matters, would authorise a meeting in these robes. Would I not like to go with him to the Sacristy of the Sistine Chapel, where the sub-sacristan would lay out the pontifical vestments, which I should then put on for the taking of several photographs? As there was no reason to refuse this request, I went along, was dressed according to the regulations, had to put on the triple crown and raise my right arm in blessing. I was photographed in this position and these pictures were then used by the painter for the drapery and other things. I still have some faded prints of these photographs, which, when they occasionally fall into my hands again, make a strange impression on me. I was not happy to fulfil Ugolini's request’ (AAV Carte Baumgarten).

The magnificent work Baumgarten is referring to is the 1899 volume ‘Die katholische Kirche unserer Zeit und ihre Diener in Wort und Bild’, Volume One, edited by Baumgarten, Charles Daniel and Anton de Waal. The volume contains an incredible 1269 illustrations.

The picture of Leo XIII is the dedication picture. Below it is written: ‘Pope Leo XIII in the twentieth year of his pontificate (= 1898). After the original oil painting by the court painter of His Holiness Cavaliere Giuseppe Ugolini. Executed with the highest authorisation and approval’.

It is not revealed that Ugolini only painted the Pope's face dal vivo, while the rest was painted from Baumgarten's photograph. Ugolini made changes in the process. Baumgarten is wearing a pluvial with the coat of arms of Pius IX. This becomes the coat of arms of Leo XIII. The tiara of Pius IX also becomes the tiara of Leo XIII.

Paul Maria Baumgarten-Institut für Papsttumsforschung

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Category: Roman notes