Complete Cartagloria Triptych (3) - Brass - 1950-1960

This is a complete triptych of ancient cartagloria, a religious altar item dating plausibly to the 19th century, characterized by a decorated frame and supporting feet. The frames could be older (18th century) and made in bronze with original mercury gilding. The objects in the photo are ancient cartagloria, that is, liturgical tablets historically used on Catholic altars to display prayers and ritual passages. They are characterized by frames with decorations featuring plant motifs and resting on the typical lion's paw feet. Inside the frames, era paper sheets with Latin inscribed texts are visible, typical of traditional liturgy. One contains the Latin text of the incipit of the Gospel according to John (In principio erat Verbum...). • Stylistic characteristics: The frames fuse Eclectic and Neoclassical elements, typical of Italian craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The geometric linearity of the main frame mold contrasts with the foliate scrolls and volutes at the top, which timidly recall the Empire style or the Barocchetto. The feet: The use of lion's-paw feet so marked and geometrically detached from the frame is typical of metal fusions (bronze or heavy brass) produced in late 19th-century artisanal foundries. The commercial typographic printing on thick paper or cardboard, with very bold black ink and serial wood engravings for initial capitals, is characteristic of papal or diocesan printing houses active from the mid-19th century to the very early 20th century."