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an old book with a red cover and a pattern of animals on it
Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin

643 - Decorative papers
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Estimate €360 - €500
Sale commission
Description
Decorative papers Munck, Johann Carl Brocade paper featuring rocaille motifs and acanthus leaves, with 16 depictions of saints. Mid-18th century. Bearing the manufacturer’s address: Augsburg, at Johan Carl’s. Munck No. 26. Silver embossing on carmine-red paper. 38.6 x 32 cm (43 x 35.3 cm). Haemmerle 207. – Provenance: Christie’s, Auction 9364, Lot 260. - The sheet is composed as a religious picture sheet featuring sixteen saints, each set within a rectangular panel framed by rich acanthus and vine motifs – a repertoire of motifs typical of Baroque brocade papers depicting saints. The figures bear haloes and characteristic attributes (such as a crozier, a book, a palm frond or tools), which enable them to be identified as Jesus Christ, the Apostles, evangelists and popular saints of 18th-century Roman Catholic piety, presenting the user of the book or casket with an entire ‘community of protection’ of patron saints. Munck’s brocade papers were favoured as precious cover or end-paper materials for liturgical books, prayer and hymn books, as well as for festive and dedicatory publications, with the resplendent images of saints imitating the outward appearance of a precious metal or silk binding. In keeping with Baroque representational culture, decorative splendour was thus combined with piety: The coloured paper served both to enhance the object’s aesthetic appeal and as a visual, ever-present devotional image signalling protection, intercession and class consciousness. – With a slight central crease and an irregular print image. Coloured paper. – Brocade paper with rocailles and acanthus leaves featuring 16 depictions of saints. Mid-18th century. With manufacturer’s address: Augsp. bey Johan Carl. Munck No. 26. Silver embossing on carmine red paper. Haemmerle 207. - Provenance: Christie’s, Auction 9364, Lot 260. - The sheet is designed as a religious picture sheet featuring sixteen saints, each set within a rectangular field framed by a rich acanthus and vine motif – a repertoire typical of Baroque brocade papers depicting saints. The figures wear halos and characteristic attributes (such as a cross, book, palm frond or tools) that enable them to be identified as Jesus Christ, the apostles, the evangelists and popular saints of 18th-century Roman Catholic piety, presenting the user of the book or box with an entire ‘protective community’ of patrons. Munck’s brocade papers were favoured as precious covers or endpapers for liturgical books, prayer books and hymnals, but also for festive and commemorative publications, with the glittering images of saints imitating the outward appearance of a precious metal or silk cover. In keeping with Baroque representational culture, decorative splendour was thus combined with piety: the coloured paper served both as an aesthetic enhancement of the object and as a visual, ever-present devotional image that signalled protection, intercession and class consciousness. – With a slight centre fold and an irregular print image.
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About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
Auction location
Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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