Add a piece of 19th-century French history to your collection with this exquisite antique canivet (paper lace) holy card. Circa 1860s–1880s.
Beautifully crafted in Paris by the renowned publisher L. Turgis & Fils, this devotional treasure features a highly detailed central engraving depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus, crowned by two angels. At the base, a classic Latin banner reads "QUASI PALMA EXALTATA SUM" ("I was exalted like a palm tree").
The artwork is surrounded by an incredibly intricate, snowflake-like paper-lace border, characteristic of high-quality French mechanical die-cut craftsmanship of the mid-to-late 1800s.
The printed French text on the back is a poetic religious passage traditionally drawn from the biblical book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), where wisdom describes herself using the imagery of majestic trees and sweet perfumes.
Here is the direct English translation:
"I grew up like a beautiful olive tree in the countryside, and like a plane tree planted along a great highway by the water's edge. I have spread a scent of perfume like cinnamon and the most precious balsam, and an odor like that of the most excellent myrrh; I have stretched out my branches like a terebinth, and my branches are branches of honor and grace.
I have put forth flowers of an agreeable odor like the vine, and my flowers produce fruits of glory and abundance."
This specific piece is uniquely embellished with period folk art modifications, including miniature hand-applied dark beads, fabric framing, and drops of red and green accents along the lace trim—making it a truly one-of-a-kind artifact. Excellent antique condition with beautiful natural age patina. Elements are securely attached. Perfect for collectors of religious antiquities, ephemera enthusiasts, unique framing, or Victorian-era displays. This card measures 2.75" x 4.25".
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