St. Anthony of Padua, c.1905 German Devotional Chromolithograph with Christ

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

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 KEYWORD BLOCK Jesus blessing children, Jesus the Friend of Children, antique catholic print...

Wonderful print of St Anthony of Padua Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The me...

Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child, Hispano-Colonial School, 17th century polychrome wood with period base, Baroque polychrome wood carving depicting Saint Anthony of Padua with ...