1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Pope Gregory XIV Roman Catholic Church EUM1

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Gregorius XIV. Pont. Max.,' better known as Pope Gregory XIV. Born Niccol˜ Sfondrati, Pope Gregory XIV served as Pontiff from 5 December 1590 until his death in 1591. His pontificate was highlighted by vigorous intervention in favor of the Catholic party in the French Wars of Religion, which were initiated when the king of Spain and the duke of Mayenne encouraged Gregory XIV to excommunicate Henry IV of France, emphasizing the 1585 declaration of Pope Sixtus V that Henry of Navarre was a heretic because he was Protestant and thus ineligible to succeed to the throne of Catholic France. Gregory XIV is also noted for modifying the Apostolic Constitution Effraenatam of Pope Sixtus V, applying the penalty of excommunication for abortion only after the fetus had become animated. The portrait is framed by a wonderful decorative motif featuring filigreed designs and a stylized skull with wings at the bottom of the print.CONDITI