Bavaria. Benedictine Congregation.

Serenissimo, et Potentissimo Principi, ac Domino Domino Carolo Alberto Utriusque Bavariæ, et Palatinat[us] Superioris Duci…Felicissimos Regiminis annos, longævam vitam, omnemque Cœli Benedidictionem [sic] Humillimis votis precat[ur].

[Bavaria, 1726].

A painted paper-cut tour de force (492 x 370 mm.). The outer frame ropework and foliage border highlighted in gold ink embraces the upper field’s interlaced vines and leaves livened with blue, red, yellow, tan and green watercolors; the central crowned shield and dedicatory text are supported by two lions rampant; the two smaller shields below are inscribed with Latin mottoes.

In a protective plastic sleeve.

            THIS EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE SPITZENBILD OR “LACE PICTURE” celebrates the new Elector of Bavaria Karl Albrecht (1697-1745). It was commissioned by the local Benedictine Congregation, which promised one thousand masses in the Elector’s honor. Chronograms for 1726, the year of his accession, are embedded in the text. In February 1742, he became Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII.
            Spitzenbilder were created by tracing a pattern on a sheet of paper or parchment (here the design was transferred through pricking, visible on the verso), then excising the negative space from the support. Our exuberant coloring and symmetry typify early 18th-century examples, which often portray devotional images to commemorate festivals and pilgrimages or served as gifts for religious superiors and noble benefactors.
            In excellent condition (three small marginal tears discreetly backed at an early date on the blank verso, not visible from the front).
¶See Metken’s Geschnittenes Papier 66-79 and Lechner’s “Das Barocke Spitzenbild” in Alte und moderne Kunst 21/144 (1976) 6-10.

Item #12358

Price: $7,800.00