Antique Our Lady of Perpetual Help Framed Print - Late 19thC Wood Back

Antique French/Italian Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotional Print (c. 1890-1920)

Description:
Beautiful antique religious framed print of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Sancta Maria de Perpetuo Succursu), modeled after the famous miraculous Byzantine icon in Rome.

This is a genuine turn-of-the-century devotional piece, not a modern reproduction.

Key Features & Condition:

Authentic Period Frame: Housed in its gorgeous original gold leaf ornate wooden frame.

Original Construction: The back features the original, unfinished solid wood backing boards secured with historical hand-driven framing brads.
Paper Inscription: Displays the traditional Latin text referencing the Church of St. Alphonsus in Rome.

Condition: The print remains clear with beautiful, rich colors. The antique backing paper has a natural age tear (visible in photos) which perfectly showcases the authentic raw wood underneath.

A beautiful, heavy, and rare find for collectors of vintage Catholic art, sacred decor, or antique altars.




Key Symbolic Elements in the Icon
The Child Jesus: He grips His mother’s hand tightly with both hands while looking away in distress.

The Falling Sandal: On His right foot, a sandal dangles loosely. In traditional iconography, this symbolizes His human fear and the shock of seeing His future crucifixion.

The Archangels: Hovering in the upper corners are Archangels Michael (left) and Gabriel (right), holding the instruments of Christ's Passion (the cross, spear, and sponge).
Mary's Gaze: Unlike Jesus, Mary does not look at the angels. She looks directly at the viewer, offering comfort, sorrow, and intercession.