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18th Century Oil - Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Early 18th Century

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St. Aloysius Gonzaga, c.1900 German Devotional Chromolithograph (Printed in Germany) This early 20th-century German chromolithograph presents a serene and contemplative portrait of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, one of the most revered saints of the Catholic Church and patron saint of youth and purity. Produced around 1900 by a major German devotional press, the print displays the refined craftsmanship and rich colouring typical of the period’s finest chromolithographic work. The composition shows the young saint in quiet adoration of the crucifix, his head tilted in prayerful devotion, surrounded by classic symbols of sanctity and purity: lilies, rosary beads, devotional books, and the deep red cloth of an altar. Unlike the more dramatic depictions from the same era, this version places Aloysius within a softly rendered church interior, with a framed image of the Virgin and Child visible behind him. His vestments are delicately modelled, with lace edging and soft shading achieved through multiple lithographic stones, each layer adding depth and texture to the fabric. The gentle gradation of colour in the background and the luminous golden halo around the saint reveal the technical mastery of German chromolithographers working circa 1900–1915. The lower margin includes multilingual captions—“Hl. Aloysius von Gonzaga. St. Luigi di Gonzaga. St. Louis de Gonzague. St. Luis Gonzaga. St. Aloysius of Gonzaga.”—reflecting the widespread international distribution of German devotional prints. The imprimatur line, “Imprimi permittitur. Ordinariatus episcopalis Limburgensis,” confirms official Church approval for its publication. The imprint “Printed in Germany” situates the work in one of the major German centres of religious chromolithography, likely Munich or Cologne, where high-quality devotional images were produced for Catholic communities across Europe and the Americas. This print is unquestionably an original chromolithograph. The velvety colour fields, stippled pigment textures, soft transitions, crisp typesetting, and characteristic matte paper all confirm authentic stone-based printing rather than modern offset or digital reproduction. Prints of St. Aloysius from this period were commonly displayed in Catholic schools, parishes, and youth chapels, making high-quality surviving examples increasingly desirable for both devotional use and collectors of sacred art. Conditon Report: Very good condition. The colours remain bright and true, with light and even toning at the outer margins and minor handling marks typical of age. No tears, losses, creases, or repairs. The plate text and imprimatur remain sharp and fully legible. Tips for Framing: Ideal for framing in a dark walnut or gilded frame to complement the warm reds and golds of the composition. A cream or ivory mat helps emphasize the saint’s pale vestments and the purity symbolized by the lilies. For a more modern presentation, a slim black frame with a wide mat creates elegant contrast while preserving the devotional atmosphere. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: German Devotional Press, printed in Germany, c.1900 st aloysius gonzaga saint aloysius aloysius print catholic saint art devotional art religious art german chromolithograph printed in germany antique lithograph chromolithograph imprimi permittitur church imprimatur holy youth lilies of purity crucifix devotion altar scene early 20th century religious print german devotional art fine chromolitho religious ephemera antique christian art

St. Nicholas of Tolentino (1245-1305) Italian School, 17th century oil painting on canvas, canvas: 10 x 8 inches provenance: private collection, Germany Very fine and rare 17th century Italian Old...

Adoration of the Magi, c.1900 German Chromolithograph (Printed in Germany) This beautiful early 20th-century German chromolithograph depicts the Adoration of the Magi, one of the most cherished subjects in Christian art. Printed around 1900–1920 by a major German devotional press, the work displays the hallmarks of high-quality chromolithographic craftsmanship: deep, luminous color; soft tonal transitions; richly layered stone-based pigments; and a gentle atmosphere that recalls late 19th-century academic religious painting. The composition presents the Virgin Mary seated with the Christ Child, Joseph beside her, and the Three Kings kneeling in reverence as they present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A young attendant appears in the doorway holding another offering. The figures are rendered with delicately modeled expressions, soft haloes, and meticulously detailed robes—particularly the embroidered white garment of the kneeling king and the golden cloak of the standing monarch. These chromatic effects were achieved through multiple lithographic stones, a technique that reached its peak among German devotional publishers during this period. The multilingual caption along the lower margin identifies the print for international Catholic distribution: “Anbetung der Könige. Adoration of the Three Kings. L’adoration des rois mages. L’adorazione dei Magi. La adoración de los Reyes Magos. Pokłon Trzech Króli.” This reflects the broad export networks of German publishers who supplied churches, monasteries, and private devotional homes throughout Europe and the Americas. The note “Printed in Germany” confirms its origin, consistent with presses in Munich, Dresden, Cologne, and Limburg, known for producing richly colored religious chromolithographs from the late 19th to early 20th century. This work is unquestionably an original chromolithograph, not a modern reproduction. The image shows true stone-layered color rather than digital or offset dots, and the paper retains the matte texture, subtle toning, and characteristic stippled pigment structure associated with genuine early 20th-century chromolithography. The presence of the multilingual caption, period typography, and the “Printed in Germany” imprint further authenticate the piece. Condition Report: Very good condition. Colors vivid and unfaded. Minor age toning to outer margins and small handling marks consistent with age. No tears, losses, or repairs observed. The bottom title and imprint text are sharp and fully legible. Tips for Framing: Ideal for framing in a gilded or walnut frame to complement the warm palette and ceremonial richness of the scene. A cream or ivory mat enhances the devotional character and highlights the luminous tones of the garments. A darker frame with a wide mat can also create a refined, museum-style presentation. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: German Devotional Press, printed in Germany, c.1900 Keyword Block: adoration of the magi three kings epiphany art christ child holy family mary and jesus st joseph devotional art catholic art religious art chromolithograph german chromolithograph printed in germany antique lithograph german devotional print early 20th century religious print nativity scene christian iconography epiphany print anbetung der könige fine chromolitho religious ephemera magi kings christmas art holy family scene antique christian art...

San Luis Gonzaga, dressing room. Polychrome wood, etc. Spanish school, 18th century. Carving made of polychrome wood that shows, on a rectangular base, a young man without a beard, ...