This papal kneeler is one of a few oversized Baroque kneelers that have been used for countless papal ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica over the years. It was also utilized during the last Council, easily recognizable in old photos. To see it in person is an experience as it shines in gold leaf splendor, truly regal, a sight to behold.
Today it is kept at the old museum of the Papal Court at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo. Hopefully it will be returned to the sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica where it can once again fulfill its purpose, designed as it was for use in the Vatican Basilica, matching in elegance and greatness the interior decoration by Bernini. The extra large design complemented well the grandeur of the large papal mantuum (oversized cope) that was sometimes folded over the kneeler, seen in the final photo below.
The kneeler was always crowned with a generous cushion on top. It also had a matching footpace with another generous cushion pillow, where the popes would kneel. This kneeler depicted here has red upholstery. One of the other similar kneelers (age unknown), with white upholstery, can be seen in the last two photos. Pius IX had a long pontificate and a lot of papal artifacts date back to that period, a true golden age of design and decoration.
Below is the white cushion version, a bit more subdued and less elaborate.
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