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Jesus Blessing the Children, Antique German Chromolithograph, ca.1900
$526.56
£394.19
€440
CA$724.88
A$792.44
CHF 419.24
MX$9,482.79
NOK 5,334.16
SEK 4,882.89
DKK 3,352.26
About the Item
Jesus Blessing the Children, Antique German Chromolithograph after Meithheuser c.1900
This exceptionally moving late 19th–early 20th century German chromolithograph depicts one of the most beloved subjects in Christian devotional art: Jesus blessing the children. Christ stands at center, gently extending His hands in blessing as children from different families gather around Him in reverence and trust. Mothers present their infants, young children kneel in prayer, and others look up with open devotion. The scene radiates tenderness, protection, and divine compassion.
The setting unfolds against a warm stone wall with tall cypress trees rising behind, creating a tranquil Mediterranean backdrop associated with biblical Palestine. Christ is shown clothed in flowing white, symbolizing purity and divine authority, while a golden halo illuminates His head. The children’s garments are rendered in soft rose, olive, blue, and gold tones, harmonizing with the calm earth colors of the background. Each child’s expression is individualized, lending remarkable emotional depth and humanity to the sacred moment.
The original painter’s signature “Jos. Meithheuser” appears in the lower margin, identifying the academic religious artist whose compositions were widely reproduced for international Catholic devotional use. The multilingual title at the bottom reads: “Jesus der Kinderfreund / Jesus Blessing the Children / Jésus bénissant les enfants / Gesù benedicendo i bambini / Jesús bendiciendo a los niños,” confirming wide European and global distribution. The imprint “Printed in Germany” places this work among the finest devotional chromolithographs produced by major German religious presses around 1900.
Executed using true chromolithography, the print displays the unmistakable qualities of authentic period stone-based color printing: soft stippled pigment texture, velvety tonal transitions, and richly layered color depth. These devotional chromolithographs were originally created for Catholic homes, chapels, schools, and parochial institutions. Well-preserved examples such as this are now increasingly sought after by collectors of sacred art, Christian iconography, and historical devotional interiors.
Condition report
Very good overall condition. Strong, unfaded colors with excellent contrast. Light natural toning to the margins consistent with age. Minor handling marks only. No tears, creases, losses, or restorations observed. Signature and multilingual title text remain crisp and fully legible.
Framing tips
This print presents beautifully in a warm gilt frame to enhance the golden halos and soft pastel garment tones. A light ivory or cream mat elevates the devotional softness of the scene. For a contemporary religious interior, a matte black frame with deep white matting offers a striking and refined presentation.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: After Jos. Meithheuser, German devotional press, printed in Germany, circa 1900
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- Dimensions:Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 15.6 in (39.6 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:ca.1900
- Condition:Strong, unfaded colors with excellent contrast. Light natural toning to the margins consistent with age. Minor handling marks only. No tears, creases, losses, or restorations observed. Signature and multilingual title text remain crisp clear.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14165-131stDibs: LU3054347843352
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Located in Langweer, NL
Jesus Blessing the Children – Antique German Catholic Chromolithograph, c. 1890
This beautiful late 19th-century German chromolithograph depicts one of the most tender and beloved scenes in Christian iconography: Jesus blessing the children. Christ stands centrally in a serene pastoral landscape, gently extending his hands in a gesture of protection and compassion, while two children approach Him with trust and reverence. The soft light of the halo frames His head, reinforcing the sacred presence, while the surrounding greenery and distant buildings create a peaceful biblical setting.
This image reflects the powerful theme from the Gospel of Matthew, “Let the little children come to me,” and was widely used in Catholic devotional culture for home altars, schools, and parish settings during the late Victorian period. The gentle facial expressions, flowing robes, and rich harmonious colors are all characteristic of high-quality German chromolithography from the late 19th century.
Chromolithography allowed for exceptional depth of color and painterly effects, closely imitating oil painting. This example shows especially fine tonal transitions in the robes, sky, and landscape, as well as excellent detail in the figures and foliage. The overall visual impression is warm, calm, and deeply devotional, making this print particularly appealing to Catholic art collectors and religious interiors.
Pieces of this type were often displayed in framed settings above prayer corners, in churches, or in Catholic family homes and have become increasingly collectible as surviving examples in good condition grow scarcer. Its subject matter gives it lasting spiritual and decorative appeal and makes it a timeless devotional artwork.
CONDITION REPORT
Good antique condition overall. Light even age toning to the paper, consistent with late 19th-century chromolithographs. Minor softening at the edges and faint handling traces visible upon close inspection. No major stains, no tears, and no restoration observed. The colors remain vibrant and well preserved.
FRAMING TIPS
This print would be beautifully enhanced with a classic gold-leaf or champagne-gilt wooden frame combined with a wide ivory or warm cream mat. For a more contemporary sacred interior, a soft walnut or dark oak frame with museum glass would provide excellent contrast and visual depth while keeping the devotional character intact.
TECHNIQUE
Chromolithography
MAKER
German devotional publisher, Germany, circa 1890
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Antique Late 19th Century German Prints
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Christ on the Mount of Olives, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Christ on the Mount of Olives, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
This striking late 19th to early 20th century German chromolithograph depicts Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the solemn moment of prayer and surrender before His arrest. Christ kneels in contemplation beneath the night sky, gazing upward toward a descending angel who brings the chalice of suffering, symbolizing the Passion that is about to unfold. At the left, the sleeping apostles Peter, James, and John lie overcome with weariness, emphasizing the solitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
The composition is rich in devotional symbolism. Christ’s folded hands, bowed posture, and softly glowing halo express humility and obedience to divine will. The angel’s flowing white robes and green mantle are dramatically illuminated against the darkened sky, while the radiant chalice floats above as a direct reference to Luke 22:42, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Palm trees and distant buildings subtly root the scene in the Holy Land.
This image was created for private devotion and contemplation and would originally have been displayed in chapels, monasteries, religious schools, or Catholic homes. Passion scenes of this size and quality were specifically intended to guide prayer during Lent and Holy Week. The calm dignity of the composition, paired with its dramatic spiritual symbolism, makes this a powerful and emotionally resonant devotional work.
The print was produced using the demanding chromolithographic process, requiring multiple stone plates to achieve its luminous color depth and fine tonal transitions. The halo effects, delicately layered drapery, and atmospheric landscape demonstrate the high technical standards of German devotional printing at the turn of the century. This is a genuine period chromolithograph and not a later reproduction.
The printed attribution along the lower margin confirms German production for the Catholic market. Large-format Passion scenes in strong, unfaded condition are increasingly scarce and are highly sought after by collectors of Catholic iconography and museum-quality devotional art.
Condition report: Very good overall condition. Colors remain strong and unfaded. Light age toning mostly confined to the margins. Minor handling wear consistent with age. No major tears, losses, water damage, or restoration observed. The image area remains clean and vivid.
Framing tips: This work presents beautifully in an antiqued gold-leaf or warm gilt frame to enhance the sacred glow of the halos. An ivory or soft parchment mat complements the night sky without overpowering the colors. A dark walnut frame also works well for church or monastery interiors.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: German devotional press, printed in Germany, circa 1900
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This striking late 19th-century German chromolithograph depicts the moving biblical moment in which the risen Christ appears to Mary Magdalene following the Resurrection. Christ is shown standing in quiet majesty, halo radiant with divine light, His right hand placed gently over His heart in a gesture of compassion and reassurance. Mary Magdalene kneels before Him with deep devotion, her long flowing hair and rich garments emphasizing both humility and reverence.
The composition is set within a tranquil garden landscape, traditionally associated with the Resurrection narrative, reinforcing the spiritual symbolism of rebirth, forgiveness, and divine mercy. Christ’s red tunic and deep blue mantle radiate warmth and solemnity, while the soft golden halo creates a luminous focal point that draws the eye immediately to His face.
This scene, known in Christian tradition as *Noli Me Tangere* (“Touch Me Not”), represents one of the most emotionally powerful moments of the Gospel story. It became a highly favored subject in Catholic devotional art of the late 19th century, commonly displayed in prayer corners, chapels, religious schools, and family interiors.
Produced using high-quality chromolithography, this print achieves exceptional painterly depth, with delicate shading in the flesh tones, refined folds in the drapery, and beautifully layered landscape colors. The gold highlights of the halos and the saturated reds and blues are especially well preserved, reflecting the superior production standards of German devotional publishers during this period.
This is a visually commanding and spiritually meaningful artwork, highly desirable for Catholic collectors, sacred art interiors, and serious devotional art collections.
CONDITION REPORT
Good antique condition overall. Light, even age toning to the paper consistent with late 19th-century chromolithographs. Minor edge wear and very gentle corner softening visible upon close inspection. No major stains, no tears, and no restoration observed. Colors remain strong and vivid.
FRAMING TIPS
This print will display beautifully in a classic gilt or softly antiqued gold wooden frame to echo the sacred halo tones. For a more restrained interior, a dark walnut or black lacquer frame with a wide ivory mat and museum glass will create a dramatic devotional presentation.
TECHNIQUE
Chromolithography
MAKER
German devotional publisher, Germany, circa 1895
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