Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Mater Dolorosa, 1899 German Chromolithograph of the Sorrowful Mother, Dresden

$647.98
£480.19
€540
CA$885.59
A$964.04
CHF 511.71
MX$11,599.50
NOK 6,484.11
SEK 5,941.28
DKK 4,113.34

About the Item

Mater Dolorosa, 1899 German Chromolithograph of the Sorrowful Mother, Dresden This exquisite late-19th-century chromolithograph of the Mater Dolorosa—“Sorrowful Mother”—was printed in Dresden in 1899 and represents one of the finest examples of German devotional chromolithographic craftsmanship. German presses of this period were among the most technically advanced in Europe, producing richly coloured sacred images intended for Catholic households, chapels, and devotional altars. This edition displays all the hallmarks of high-quality German chromolithography: luminous tones, velvety shadows, precise colour layering, and a soft glowing halo rendered through multiple stone plates. The Virgin is shown in deep contemplation, her head bowed and a single tear resting on her cheek—a composition traditionally associated with the “Madonna of the Thumb.” Long attributed to the 17th-century Florentine master Carlo Dolci, some scholars now suggest the prototype may come from one of Dolci’s students. Regardless of its exact authorship, the image became one of the most beloved Marian subjects across Europe, widely reproduced in devotional chromolithographs around 1880–1910. This particular variant is especially desirable for its rare green-and-red garment palette and its right-facing orientation, both of which appear far less frequently than the more common left-facing versions. The bottom margin includes the identifying imprint with numbering (“No. 45. Mater dolorosa.”) followed by its publication origin “Dresden 1899” and the note “Printed in Germany.” This confirms production in one of Germany’s major chromolithographic centres during the peak of devotional printing. Dresden publishers were renowned for their technical excellence, often working from Italian and French devotional prototypes to create richly atmospheric images like this one, designed to bring the emotional intensity of Renaissance painting into the home. An important note for collectors: this is unquestionably an original 19th-century chromolithograph and not a modern reproduction. The colour fields show authentic stone-layered printing, not digital or offset dot patterns. The paper displays natural age toning, a matte fibre texture, and the slight surface softness characteristic of late-19th-century chromolithographic stock. The period German imprint “Dresden 1899. Printed in Germany.” is entirely consistent with genuine editions of this time and confirms its authenticity. The luminous halo, deep ultramarine cloak, crimson lining, and fine gold detailing are all features of true high-quality devotional chromolithography, not modern printing. Condition report: In very good condition, with strong, unfaded colours. Minor age toning and handling marks at the margins, as expected for a devotional print of this period. No tears, losses, or repairs observed. The plate text remains crisp and fully legible. Tips for Framing: Ideal for framing in dark walnut, rosewood, or gilded moulding to enhance the warm halo and rich colour palette. A cream or ivory mat complements the reds and greens beautifully. A slim black frame with a wide mat offers a more contemporary, gallery-style presentation. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: German Devotional Press, Dresden, 1899 Printed in Germany mater dolorosa sorrowful mother madonna of the thumb virgin mary carlo dolci dolci school religious art catholic art devotional art madonna print marian art ecce homo companion print 19th century chromolithograph antique lithograph german devotional print dresden 1899 printed in germany chromolithography holy mother marian devotion christian iconography religieuse antique madonna rare color variant green and red variant chromolitho fine chromolitho religious ephemera
  • 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:
    1899
  • Condition:
    In very good condition, with strong, unfaded colours. Minor age toning and handling marks at the margins, as expected for a devotional print of this period. No tears, losses, or repairs observed. The plate text remains crisp and fully legible.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14165-51stDibs: LU3054347801202

More From This Seller

View All
Holy Mary in Prayer – Antique German Marian Chromolithograph, 1904
Located in Langweer, NL
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene – Antique German Chromolithograph, c. 1895 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 KEYWORD BLOCK Jesus and Mary Magdalene, Noli Me Tangere, resurrection scene, antique catholic print...
Category

Early 20th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Immaculate Conception, c.1900 German Devotional Chromolithograph, ca.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Immaculate Conception, c.1900 German Devotional Chromolithograph This beautiful early 20th-century German chromolithograph depicts the Immaculate Conception, one of the most belove...
Category

Early 20th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

St Mary Protectress of Innocents, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
St Mary Protectress of Innocents, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900 This exceptionally tender and beautifully composed late 19th–early 20th century German chromolithograph depi...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene – Antique German Chromolithograph, c. 1895
Located in Langweer, NL
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene – Antique German Chromolithograph, c. 1895 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 KEYWORD BLOCK Jesus and Mary Magdalene, Noli Me Tangere, resurrection scene, antique catholic print...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Mary Holding Jesus Christ, C.1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Untitled antique print depicting Mary holding Christ on her lap. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Made after Bellini, signed by L. Boscato (?). Conditi...
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Prints

Materials

Paper

Madonna and Child with Rosary – Antique French Religious Print, c.1850
Located in Langweer, NL
Madonna and Child with Rosary – La Ste Vierge dite au Chapelet, circa 1850 This elegant 19th-century lithograph titled La Ste Vierge dite au Chapelet (The Holy Virgin Known as the R...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Sorrowful Madonna - Original Etching - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Sorrowful Madonna is an original etching realized by an Anonymous artist of the XIX century. In good condition, except for some ripping and foxing. Titled on the lower center The ...
Category

19th Century Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Original Antique Illuminated Print of The Virgin Mary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of The Virgin Mary Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

Antique 1880s English Gothic Prints

Materials

Paper

18th Century Spanish Colonial Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) Oil Painting
Located in London, GB
18th Century Mater Dolorosa Religious Oil Painting, Antique Spanish Colonial Religious Oil Painting, Our Lady of Sorrows Painting, Antique Religious Oil Painting...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Paintings

Materials

Copper

Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Anne. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Anne Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

Antique 1880s English Gothic Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Susanna of Eleutheropolis. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Susanna of Eleutheropolis Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Category

Antique 1880s English Gothic Prints

Materials

Paper

Our Lady Of Rosary Madonna, German Lithograph
Located in Savannah, GA
An Our Lady Of Rosary lithograph, Germany, circa 1890s. A heavily distressed piece in period frame showing a history of devotion. sight: 15 ¾ by 19 ¾ in...
Category

Antique 19th Century German Baroque Revival Religious Items

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper