Extraordinary gouache, watercolour, gilt and gold leaf on openwork cut pattern in parchment, backed with tissue, pearls and embroidery with gold and silver thread, depicting the patron saint of music and musicians. In the centre cartouche, Saint Cecilia is pictured holding a portative organ, and is surrounded with the openwork painted pattern within a painted floral border, some openings in the frame providing a place for the deposit of reliquary fragments, some of which are here still preserved (!). 12.4 x 10.4 inches (31.6 x 26.4 cm). Mounted to cardboard backing, some worming and mildew damage to mounting, a few small chips, overall in fine condition. An impressive and graphically striking piece of devotionalia.
168.
[History & Culture]
[Tree of Life]. "The Good Tree or Hieroglyphics of a Christian" – 19th Century Colored Lithograph
Hand-colored lithograph depicting a tree tended by angels, one of whom is keeping an axe-bearing Lucifer from chopping the tree down. The other angel waters the soil, which is labelled "Faith" and "Repentance." The trunk, labelled "Hope" and "Love," leads up to a canopy bearing fruit with labels such as "Mercy," "Justice," "Chastity," and "Temperance." The word "Grace" appears in the sky above the crown of the tree. Beneath the illustration is the title, "The Good Tree or Hieroglyphics of a Christian," and a quotation from the Book of Psalms, "'And he shall like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.' Psalm.1.ver.3." ca. 1846. After a 1791 print by John Hagerty entitled The Tree of Life. Published by Kellogs & Thayer, New York; E. B. & E. C. Kellogg, Hartford; D. Needham, Buffalo. An edition of this print is in the collection of the National Museum of American History. Mild toning, foxing to verso, general edge wear, hole to lower right corner and upper left, overall in fine condition given its age. 10 x 14 inches (25.4 x 35.6 cm.).
164.
[History & Culture]
[Proverbs]. 18th Century Cards
Collection of four 18th century rigid paper cards printed to recto and verso with proverbs and aphorisms. Origin unknown. Foxing, else fine. 3 x 5 inches each (7.6 x 12.7 cm.).