Beautiful framed antique French engraving from the 1700s. The engraving is of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. She is revered for her faith and her reported role in saving Paris from the Huns in 451 AD. She is also the patron saint against plague and disasters.
The bottom of the engraving reads "Genevieve reconnue par son epoux", "A Paris chez Lambert rue de la Harpe No 45". The first part translates to "Genevieve recognized by her husband," which explains the picture. The second part refers to number 45 on Rue de la Harpe in Paris, which is a historical address. Rue de la Harpe is a relatively calm and cobblestoned street. It dates back to medieval times and was once part of an old Roman road. The 13th-century narrow road went all the way to the southern gates of Paris (today's Place Edmond-Rostand). It was named after a café sign of a harp. While No. 45 is no longer there, it was most likely the address of the engraver who manufactured the piece.
This lovely antique framed piece measures 4" x 6" and features the original glass, with a couple of manufacturing bubbles visible. The frame is made of wood and is black in color. The back has a dark, aged piece of paper covering the engraving. Given its age, this is an excellent piece of Paris' history.
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