Beautiful antique framed Canivet relic I purchased in St. Ouen l'Aumone, France, circa early 1800s. The particular card reads "Tous les biens me viendront par le cœur de Marie," which translates to All blessings will come to me through the Heart of Mary.
This is a canivet card relic. A "canivet" card is an art form associated with small holy pictures, and it probably originated in France in the 13th century or thereabouts. With this craft, holy pictures are realized in a sort of needlework using chromos, textiles, and a plethora of other materials. The French and Italians are famous for this type of art.
Works of art such as this were left almost exclusively to the hands of monks and nuns in medieval monasteries and convents. They used to craft them as expressions of Christian faith and spiritual exercises, going beyond prayers. Today, it is commonplace, and we might call it a flat mixed-media piece.
This piece has been framed in a handmade papered frame. The glass is intact and free of flaws, and there is a loop hanger on top for hanging. This piece is beautiful and measures 4.75" x 6.25".
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