2-979-657 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Illuminations in the Largo Mercatello, Naples, on the Birth of a Prince, 1857. View of '...the spontaneous rejoicings of the Neapolitan people...[following the announcement of] ...the most happy delivery of her august Majesty our Queen, who...has given birth to a well-formed Prince [Januarius]...[A temporary edifice]...was covered with white and crimson hangings. In the centre was a colossal transparency of the Madonna, clothed with a large mantle, beneath and within whose ample folds their Majesties were enveloped...above were the family shields, surmounted by an inscription, explaining the origin of the great happiness and prosperity of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies...On each side of the erection was a scaffolding whereon was seated a band of instrumental performers; and the whole was brilliantly illuminated with festoons of lights'. Prince Januarius died of cholera aged ten. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.