Antique Chromolithograph Guardian Angel Print Framed Under Glass, 19th c Italy 18” x 22”

This is an antique chromolithograph Guardian Angel print picturing a Guardian Angel protecting a little boy who is about to chase a butterfly off of a cliff. The scene illustrates Catholic belief in the protection of guardian angels, although such belief is also held by a number of other religions.. The artwork is rendered in vibrant colours with fine detailing typical of late 19th to early 20th century devotional chromolithography.

The print is housed under glass in a  grey painted wood frame. It is unsigned, but most likely of Italian origin, circa late 19th to early 20th century.

Dimensions:

Outer frame: 22 1/2" high x 17 3/4" wide

Visible display area: 18" high x 14" wide

Condition: The print is in very good condition with no notable staining or fading visible beneath the glass, however there are small crease-like indents at the upper right, quite minor. The frame was re-sealed with brown paper tape at some point and was probably painted grey later in its life. Wire for hanging is attached at the back.

Notes: This is a beautiful devotional piece likely produced in Italy around the turn of the century.  Chromolitho prints were very difficult to produce because each colour employed had to be printed separately.  The problem was that with repeated passes in the printing press, the paper would stretch, and registration became difficult, so often there was a lot of wastage.  The final result, however, is clearly superior to what is produced by photolithography, with truer, more vivid colouring and a natural “blend” in the colour palette of the picture.

This is a lovely antique chromolithograph Guardian Angel print - lbeautiful display piece for a religious home and a reminder that we do not walk alone….