COLUMN OF HENRY IV.
In 1873 the column of an inverted cannon, which stood in front of the Church of S. Antonio Abate, erected in 1596 to commemorate the reconciliation of Henry IV. of France to Clement VIII., was removed in altering the level of the road. At the time of its removal, a majolica vase was discovered under the base, which on being lately opened was found to contain a large brass medal, bearing the following inscription:—
IN HONOREM PASSIONIS D. N. JESU CHRISTI ET B. V. MARIÆ AC S.
ANTOINI ET OMNIUM SANCTORUM, REVERENDUS DOMINUS.
Carolus Anison Galeus, preceptor generalis preceptoriæ ejusdem S. Antoini prope Albam, terram Petragoricensis Dioceseos et Vicarius in Prioratu S. Antoini de urbe suis propriis expensis posuit. Sedente Smo domino nostro Clemente VIII. Pont. Opt. Max. anno domini MDXCVI.
The column has now been re-erected, but not inverted, on the east side of S. Maria Maggiore, and the vase and its coin re-interred beneath it.
It appears that Louis XIV. caused the original inscription on the base of the column to be removed, and this has lately been found in the convent of S. Antony, recording that the column was erected in memory of the Christian absolution of Henry the Fourth of France and Navarre.
In front of S. Maria Maggiore, on the right, Via S. Prassede, is