-40%

Hand Painted Antique Illuminated Manuscript Christmas Blessing - Signed, Dated

$ 290.39

Availability: 100 in stock

Description

This is 100 years old, hand painted in 1919 by Lila L. Williams and in its original, gilt frame. Richly colored and richly framed, it was a labor of love and it's beautiful.
It's a Christmas blessing which was painted faithful to the style and techniques of 14th century, late medieval Gothic illuminated manuscripts.
The design features a Gothic arch framing the scene of the Annunciation, enhanced with images of Heavenly witnesses, a haloed white dove, and lilies at Virgin Mary's feet. There are medallions in all four corners with the symbols of the four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The central figure with a large book at the bottom -- perhaps a Dominican or Benedictine monk.
The painting is very finely detailed and it appears to be colored ink (perhaps with some gouache also) and gold leaf on parchment.
The blessing  goes: "May the Infant Jesus give you Love in your heart, Peace in your life, Grace in your soul this Christmas. God bless you."
Flanking the haloed figure at bottom center are the words: "Anno Domini, 1919, Lisa L Williams."
The antique frame is deeply carved in lengths of grooves and heavily gilded over oxblood paint. The outside edge is painted black and the back of the frame is covered with a metallic-faced board, tacked into the wood. The black paint is worn off the edges and corners, but that doesn't seem to detract. A steel (?) strap shaped into a loop makes a very steady and strong easel back.
The frame measures 8 3/8 inches wide by 10 3/8 inches tall.
This will be carefully shipped with full insurance.