FOLK ART, 19th century - Lot 123

Lot n° 123
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Estimation :
150 - 200 EUR
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Result : 150EUR
FOLK ART, 19th century - Lot 123
FOLK ART, 19th century Baptismal card known as a “Goettelbrief,” dated 1827 Mounted under glass in a fruitwood frame H 25 x W 21 cm Signs of wear Dating back to the 16th century, the custom of presenting godchildren with a baptismal letter allowed them to remember the significance of the ceremony. Often folded like a small envelope or a letter, the godfather and godmother—although the prefix “Goettel” refers only to the godmother, would place a medal or a silver coin inside, which the godchild would then treasure throughout his or her life; this item was never included in the estate’s inventory during a notarial or testamentary division. They are the work of village artists or low-ranking municipal officials skilled in handling a brush and pen, drawing their inspiration from nature, almanacs, prayer books, and polychrome Alsatian furniture. Many bear traces of pricking along the outlines of the motifs. In fact, when one wished to reproduce an illustration in multiple copies, sheets of paper were stacked on top of one another, and the original was pricked to create the initial dotted-line drawing.
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