[BACIAMANO] - Nota delle Sig.re Dame che intervengono a Palazzo ne giorni di Baciamano. [Naples: seconda metà del XVIII secolo]....

[BACIAMANO] - Nota delle Sig.re Dame che intervengono a Palazzo ne giorni di Baciamano. [Naples: seconda metà del XVIII secolo]. An interesting manuscript that lists the ladies, divided by rank, admitted to the rite of hand kissing at the court of Naples. The right to "access ad manum" had a selective character and was a sign of favor towards the main noble families who were thus admitted into the most restricted circle of the sovereign. The rite, very popular in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, was officiated on numerous occasions, from the Christmas and Easter festivities to the name days until March 1786 when it was decided that the "Baciamani si riducan ad un solo, che si solennizzi nel primo giorno dell’anno" . 8vo (205 x 145mm). 13 leaves, manuscript on paper. Fine contemporary binding in embossed paper with gilt floral motifs.