DepartmentEurope

Gesu Bambino

NameHoly Card Collage

Artist Artist Not Recorded

DateMid-19th century

Place madeItaly, Europe

MediumPaper, fiber, straw, ink, paint (watercolor)

DimensionsOverall: 7 5/16 x 4 1/2 in. (18.6 x 11.4 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2011.17.6

DescriptionHeavy vellum paper cut in ornate form centers a haloed, bunting wrapped baby. Baby Jesus' face is printed and hand colored with watercolors. The bunting is made from scraps of embroidered fabric with applied thin horizontal cut straw lines and zigzags. The ornate surround is also decorated with natural or dyed cut straw edging, a red cross over Christ's head, and symbols of the passion (dice, pliers, rooster, ladder, etc.). The card is tacked at top and bottom to a later backing of blue painted cardboard.