An exceptional piece of late 19th-century to early 20th-century European devotional folk art. Found locally in France, this antique pilgrimage souvenir originates from the historic Austro-Bavarian region and represents the beautiful tradition of Klosterarbeit (monastic/convent micro-beadwork).
The central oval vignette features a finely detailed, black-and-white lithograph print of the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus, flanked by two adoring, kneeling angels. Situated beneath the holy figures is a depiction of the sanctuary shrine itself, captioned with the German inscription: "St. Maria Siebenbrünnl" (Holy Mary of the Seven Little Springs).
A completely handcrafted, geometric wire frame encases this sacred imagery, meticulously wrapped in vibrant antique glass seed beads. The border features a striking serrated green pattern interspersed with multi-colored glass accents and four distinct red floral rosettes at each compass point. A true museum-quality collectible, this piece beautifully maps the movement of historic religious art across Western Europe.
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Era: Late Victorian / Edwardian (Circa 1890–1920)
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Origin: Southern Germany / Austria / Bohemia (Discovered in France)
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Materials: Antique glass seed beads, shaped wire framework, paper lithograph print
- Condition: Excellent antique condition given its age. Beadwork remains tight and stable with vibrant color retention. The central print exhibits light, authentic age toning that underscores its historical integrity.
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