Roman States, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is a colorful, detailed illustration of the coat of arms of the Roman States, featuring a shield divided into quarters. The top left quadrant showcases a red diagonal stripe against a blue background with a gold lion, while the bottom right quadrant is a mirror image of the top left. The top right and bottom left quadrants feature a red and gold stripe, with a gold lion facing left in the top right and a gold lion facing right in the bottom left. Above the shield are the Papal keys and tiara, symbols of the Pope's authority. The artwork is part of a larger series, “Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms,” produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for cigarette cards in 1888, which was a common practice of the time. This piece reflects the fascination with heraldry, history, and geographical knowledge during the late 19th century. The artwork is currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.