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Victorian Antique Joseph Mary Jesus Cherubs Donkey Religious Chrystoleum Picture

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Description:
An excellent religious scene crystoleum on artist's glass dating circa 1880 - 1900, framed - approx 13 X 10 inches (33.02 X 25.4cm).

This is an excellent English School crystoleum dating from the Victorian period.
The religious scene depicts a beautiful scene featuring Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus travelling by donky along a stoney path. Joseph has a golden aura around him, Mary with a halo above her head beneath a crescent moon. Two cherubs fly above as their guardians, the other leading the donkey safely down the path. Beautifully detailed and applied on convex glass. The crystoleum was a modern application of an ancient technique where colour was applied behind a print or lithograph which had been rendered transparent with wax or varnish. In the case of the crystoleum, also known as a chromo-photograph, an albumen print was pasted face down to the inside curve of a piece of concave glass. Flat glass was not so suitable. Very popular during the Victorian period for decorating parlours.

Date:
The crystoleum probably dates to around 1880 - 1900.

Framing:
Later plain moulded Wood. Finish: Mahogany.

Condition:
The crystoleum is in good condition for its age, having discoloured very slightly, as is to be expected of a piece of this age, which only adds to character and authenticity.