Add a hauntingly beautiful piece of history to your collection with this authentic antique French holy card (canivet). Known for its exquisite craftsmanship, this card features an intricate, die-cut paper lace border surrounding a finely detailed lithograph illustration.
The poignant imagery depicts a youthful allegorical figure clutching a large wooden cross, standing triumphantly over a serpent coiled around an anchor—classic Christian symbols representing faith, hope, and victory over sin.
At the base of the image, the delicate French inscription reads: "Je ne suis peut-être éloigné de la mort", which translates to "I am perhaps not far from death." This stunning piece serves as a profound memento mori, making it an exceptional find for collectors of religious ephemera, sacred art, and Gothic decor.
Adding to its spiritual and historical depth, the back of this card features a beautifully preserved, printed French prayer/devotional meditation. This reverse text provides invaluable context to the memento mori theme on the front, making it a complete historical artifact. An exceptional find for collectors of rare religious ephemera, sacred art, and curiosity cabinet displays.
It reads in English
"Being certain, as I am, that I will die one day, but knowing neither the hour nor the state in which I must die, I pray you, oh my Savior! by the merits of your holy death, to prepare me yourself to die well through an exact fidelity to my duties, to your graces, to prayer, to the good and frequent use of the sacraments, to good works, and to the virtues proper to my state. — Grant, my divine Jesus, that I may always keep myself in your grace and that death may find me ready to go towards you.
Amen."
This beautiful piece is in antique condition, with authentic age patina, minor foxing, and wear consistent with age, giving it incredible character. It measures 2.75" x 4".
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