Relief, ST. BARBARA - 13.8 cm - Earthenware

A particularly atmospheric relief of Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners, tunnel builders and everyone who works underground. On the tile is the inscription "ST. BARBARA" and at the bottom the traditional miners’ greeting "Glück Auf!", a wish for a safe return from the mine.

The depiction presents Saint Barbara in a stylized, almost Art Deco design with a halo of rays, standing on clouds above crossed miners’ hammers. The reverse bears a label with the inscription "Handarbeit", indicating that this is a handcrafted piece.

Saint Barbara has been venerated for centuries in the German and Austrian mining regions, and her image was a familiar symbol in homes, mine buildings and mining prayer spaces. The greeting "Glück Auf!" is inextricably linked with Central European mining culture.

Based on the stylized form, execution, and the handwork label, this relief probably dates from the 1950s, perhaps the early 1960s.

Approximate dimensions
Height 13.8 cm
Width 9.2 cm
Depth 1.3 cm

Photos give a clear view of the quality and are part of the description.

The piece is well packed and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also cover packing materials and transport. Not shipped outside the EU. Pickup is only possible when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and of course by arrangement during office hours.

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