This type of picture was immensely popular in the early part of the last century, from around 1910 through 1930. I put this one at 1925, because of the geometric shape of the oval frame. They vary, with MOST being horizontal pictures featuring both Mary and Jesus. This one is different, and scarce because of the subject – Mother Mary with red flowers, meant to be roses (Mary as the Mystical Rose). Part of the picture features printed roses and a crucifix. She is a cut out, not a die cut, but is beautifully done, and looks die cut. The bakground behind Mary is black, to match her habit, and dark peach to contrast and coordinate with the picture. There is some beautiful trim, some in gold and white, and some in pink and silver. There is a layer of embossed silver foil, featuring a floral design. The bottom of the picture is my favorite! There is an altar at the bottom, with tiny cloth flowers with some wheat interspersed. There are two little candelabra in gold foil, with 3D candles. The candles look to be rolled paper, inserted in the candelabra, with little cone flames and what I think are accents of green chenille. All of the components are excellent, and in their proper place, except for 1 little red straw flower that escaped and is down by one of the candles. The altar urn and candelabra are nicely bas relief! The picture is a vertical orientation, which is also unusual. Most of these types of pictures are horizontal. This one features a geometric oval frame made from hammered tin, with a bright gold wash, and a tin back that has discolored with age, and has some built in brads to hold the tin back and the picture in place. The inside edge of the frame has some discoloration, where the gold wash has been worn away, probably from cleaning. There isn’t a hanger on the back, but there IS a hole in the top of the frame so you can create a hanger, or use the edge of the frame to hang it by. Ribbon would be really great to add to hang this by – a nice vintage ribbon (satin, grosgrain, velvet) with a bow and a loop, fastened through the hole in the top. The picture measures 18″ x 11″ and is quite heavy.
