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_