18th Century Pin Prick Picture Folk Art Painting C 1790

This original artwork would have been made circa 1790 to 1820 at a place of Religious worship and sacred pilgrimage. Throughout Europe, since at least medieval times, in France, Italy and Spain, annually pilgrims would go to extreme sacrifices when they physically embarked across scared routes to visit their favorite places of pilgrimage. Of course the most favorite route being the route to Saint James, the Santiago de Compostela. These routes might cross other famous religious sites of significance such as Rocomodor, or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. A Victorian version being Lourdes. Once there pilgrims who could afford such luxury, might purchase a souvenir/talisman of their travels. Local artisans, and or nuns/monks would benefit from selling souvenir wares to these religious tourists.

Our pin prick picture is such a piece. It shows two weary pilgrims, a grandfather and grandson making their way through the countryside en route for hopefully some divine respect and healing. Why you might ask, well many reasons have urged the human spirit to make such an extreme and dangerous trip over the many centuries. Having visited Lourdes in France, I think that even the non believer would struggle not to be moved by the commitment of those souls who have made the journey. For many, especially those with terminal illness this pilgrimage is their last hope.

For the two pilgrims in our picture, upon close study the reason for their pilgrimage becomes apparent. The grandfather is blind. His young grandson leading him safely for hundreds of miles over the rough terrain, grandpa clinging to the stick with the lad acting as his guide. The raised pin prick detailing that shows the folds of their clothing is marvelous. The hand painted features equally accomplished, grandpa's small grey bag carries all of their vital supplies.

Worked all by hand upon laid paper this is a super 18th C artwork for your home. Housed behind old bubbled glass and set within an original period frame with handmade joints at the corners and old nails for the suspension cord.

Size: Frame 11 inch tall by 9 1/2 inch wide. Visible pin prick picture approx 8 1/8 inch tall by 6 1/2 inch wide.

Condition: All good antique, unopened condition with some minor creasing to the ancient paper - see the boy's face. Some minor debris trapped under the glass. The old antique frame is a little dry (probably displayed over an open fire in the past). We will replace the string cord with wire for the next owner.

A lovely, lovely item of reverence and deep devotion. A reminder of the sacrifices that human souls are prepared to make in the name of their beliefs.

ITEM ID:12373