18th Century Cut Paper Pin Prick Picture Scherenschnitte Miniature Portrait, Canivet Circa 1790 Paper Lace 15369

Exceptionally beautiful and exceptionally decorative are the terms we would use to describe this 18th century antique treasure, later framed in a modern gold frame. Several exceedingly decorative forms of artwork are combined in one truly beautiful devotional object. We see a papery lace example that was intricately hand cut with a tiny knife. To the center is a hand painted miniature Gouache portrait of the Saint Aloysius. We also see pin prick detailing to the C scrolls. Some of the paper cut details highlighted in Gouache pigments.
See similar artworks in Chapter 13 PAPERWORK, page 249 of The Accomplished Lady , A History of Genteel Pursuits c.1660-1860 and in The Cooper Hewitt Museum: Collection Record 1962-59-43
Our example depicts a hand painted miniature Gouache portrait of Saint Aloysius being surrounded by hand cut filigree parchment. We see the young Aloysius who was noted for his asceticism. He bravely volunteered to care for the sick and dying at a Jesuit hospital when plague broke out in Rome. Shortly before his ordination, he contracted the disease himself and died at age 23. He is shown here with the crucifix as a symbol of his devotion and sacrifice.
The influence for this cut paper picture are Holy Cards or in french ‘Canivet’ (knife cut) which date back to the 1600’s. Priests would distribute these small cards amongst the literate. Notaries often attached them to legal documents to guarantee their legitimacy, and travelers would put them inside trunks as supernatural insurance against theft. It was during the 17th and 18th centuries that they really excelled themselves in decorative splendor. ‘Canivet translates as Knife because all of the paper work is cut by a sharp knife like tool. Our devotional cut paper painting would have been executed by a Nun in a convent and likely sold to pilgrims visiting the convent.
Size: Frame size 13 inch (33 cm) high by 8 1/2 inch (22 cm) wide.
Condition: Some very old rippling to the parchment from hanging on old damp walls down the centuries. Discoloration to the outer edges of the paper parchment. As mentioned housed in a modern gilt frame.
A super example to adorn any wall.