Large hand-carved and hand-painted papal crest or coat of arms of Pope John XXIII, circa 1958, measuring approximately 17.5 x 26, with the motto of the city of Venice at the bottom: "Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus [Peace be to you, Mark, my Evangelist]." Pope John XXIII had been Patriarch of Venice from 1953 to 1958 before being elected pontiff; because of his great love for the city, he chose its motto for his papal coat of arms. In fine condition. The consignor speculates that the piece may have been used to decorate the church during the coronation of Pope John XXIII.
