Items Similar to St Mary Protectress of Innocents, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
St Mary Protectress of Innocents, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
$527.98
£391.27
€440
CA$721.60
A$785.52
CHF 416.95
MX$9,451.45
NOK 5,283.35
SEK 4,841.04
DKK 3,351.61
About the Item
St Mary Protectress of Innocents, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900
This exceptionally tender and beautifully composed late 19th–early 20th century German chromolithograph depicts the Virgin Mary as Protectress of the Innocents, surrounded by a group of children offering flowers in devotion. Mary stands gently illuminated by a radiant halo, holding the Christ Child in her arms, while children approach from every direction in a moving display of purity, trust, and spiritual protection. The scene embodies one of the most emotionally resonant Marian devotions of the Catholic tradition: the Virgin as guardian and intercessor for children.
The composition unfolds within a quiet courtyard framed by warm stone walls and distant cypress trees beyond, suggesting both earthly shelter and heavenly guardianship. The children’s garments are rendered in a soft palette of rose, gold, green, and crimson, harmonizing beautifully with Mary’s pale blue mantle and rose-toned dress. Several children hold flowers as offerings — symbols of innocence, prayer, and youthful faith — while others kneel or gaze upward in reverence. The Christ Child, luminous and serene, completes the devotional focus of the scene.
The artist’s signature “Jos. Meithheuser” appears in the lower left margin, identifying the original painter whose work was translated into chromolithographic form for devotional distribution. The multilingual lower border reads: “Hl. Maria Beschützerin der Unschuld / St. Mary Protectress of the Innocents / Ste. Vierge Protectrice de l’Enfance / S. Maria Protettrice dei Bambini / S. Maria Patrona de los Niños,” confirming wide international circulation. The imprint “Printed in Germany” places this work among the finest period religious chromolithographs produced by major German devotional presses around 1900.
Produced using true chromolithography, this print exhibits the unmistakable characteristics of authentic stone-based color printing: velvety pigment texture, soft tonal modelling, and saturated yet harmonious color layers applied through multiple successive printing stones. These qualities distinguish it clearly from later mechanical reproductions. Such devotional chromolithographs were originally created for Catholic homes, churches, schools, and orphanages, and today are increasingly sought after by collectors of Marian art and sacred Christian imagery.
Condition report
Very good overall condition. Colors remain rich and unfaded. Light, even toning to the margins consistent with age. Minor handling marks only. No tears, creases, restorations, or losses observed. Signature and multilingual title text remain crisp and legible.
Framing tips
This devotional image is ideally suited for a warm gilt frame to enhance the golden tones of the children’s garments and halos. A soft ivory or light cream mat will elevate the pastel colors and preserve the spiritual gentleness of the composition. For a contemporary religious interior, a slim black frame with deep white matting also presents beautifully.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: After Jos. Meithheuser, German devotional press, printed in Germany, circa 1900
---
SEO keyword block:
virgin mary with children
protectress of the innocents
mary protectress of children
madonna with child
catholic devotional art
marian devotion
religious chromolithograph
antique german chromolithograph
printed in germany
jos meithheuser
holy childhood mary
sacred christian art
christian iconography
antique religious print
devotional wall art
early 20th century religious
holy innocence
catholic collector art
marian protector
madonna and children
fine chromolitho
german devotional print
- 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:Very good overall condition. Colors remain rich and unfaded. Light, even toning to the margins consistent with age. Minor handling marks only. No tears, creases, restorations, or losses observed. Signature and multilingual title text remain crisp.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14165-121stDibs: LU3054347842902
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,819 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllImmaculate 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
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
Virgin Mary with Christ Child
Angel Musicians – German Chromolithograph, 1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Virgin Mary with Christ Child and Angel Musicians – German Chromolithograph, 1900
This exquisite antique German chromolithograph presents a tender and highly lyrical devotional sce...
Category
Early 20th Century German Prints
Materials
Paper
Jesus Blessing the Children, Antique German Chromolithograph, ca.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Jesus Blessing the Children, Antique German Chromolithograph after Meithheuser c.1900
This exceptionally moving late 19th–early 20th century German chromolithograph depicts one of t...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German 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
Antique Catholic Print of Jesus Blessing Children – Germany, c. 1890
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
KEYWORD BLOCK
Jesus blessing children, Jesus the Friend of Children, antique catholic print...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
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 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
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Clotilde. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Clotilde
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 Elizabeth of Hungary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Elizabeth of Hungary
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 Genevieve. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Genevieve
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
Antique 1880s English Gothic Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Margaret. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Margaret
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
Antique 1880s English Gothic Prints
Materials
Paper
