3-034-869 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Bambino of the Ara Coeli Church, Rome, 1871. 'The most remarkable sight to be witnessed by strangers in the church of the Ara Coeli, especially at Christmas-time, is the exhibition of the "Sacro Bambino," or Sacred Baby, a wooden image of the Infant Jesus...It goes on daily, from Christmas to Epiphany, or Twelfth Day, and is attended by multitudes...The parents come with their children, and the poorer class of people are, perhaps, willing to enjoy a pretty, fantastic, entertaining show as well as to take their share of the blessing...The Bambino is...from 20 in. to 24 in. high, with face painted in imitation of life. It is rather a fine piece of work...One of its titles is that of the "Little Doctor," and people who are ill send for it. The image is carried through the streets in procession to the bedside of the sick. It has a very large practice in Rome, and is said to earn as much money as all the doctors of the city together. It is thus a source of revenue to the Franciscan Order, who have charge of it...the figure is covered with jewels of great value: pearls, diamonds, and gems of every kind cover it from head to foot. The shoes are of gold, and one is a little higher than the other;...this is the one that is kissed by the faithful'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.