Medieval Keys and Purse Frame, Antique Chromolithograph, 1851

This is an original antique chromolithograph, printed in iron grays on a cream ground, lettered "1. MONTURE D'ESCARCELLE DU XVe SIÈCLE au 2/3 de l'exécution. 2, 3, 4. CLEFS DU XVIe SIÈCLE (Collection de Mr le Prince Soltykoff). 5. CLEF DU XVe SIÈCLE. 6, 7, 8. CLEFS DU XVIe SIÈCLE, appartenant à Mr Vitel à Paris." At the center is the purse frame, an arched iron mount with a twisted outer band, surmounted by a miniature Gothic building with spires and topped by a ring for suspension. Two large keys flank it, their bows built from paired figures, masks and winged beasts above capitals. Around them are smaller keys: one with a bow of winged creatures, one with a pierced triangular bow and a bit cut with crosses, one with a round rosette bow, one with a crowned bow of interlaced ciphers and a tiny key with a trefoil bow.

The running head reads "LE MOYEN-AGE ET LA RENAISSANCE" and "FERRONNERIE" (ironwork). The credits are "Rivaud del.", "Chromolith. Lemercier, R. de Seine 57, Paris." and "Kellerhoven lith.", with "F. Séré direxit" at the foot. In English the caption reads: 1. Purse frame of the fifteenth century, at two thirds of actual size. 2, 3, 4. Keys of the sixteenth century (collection of Prince Soltykoff). 5. Key of the fifteenth century. 6, 7, 8. Keys of the sixteenth century, belonging to Mr. Vitel, Paris.

Le Moyen Âge et la Renaissance was edited by Paul Lacroix, who also wrote as the Bibliophile Jacob, with Ferdinand Séré directing the illustrations, and it was published in Paris in five volumes between 1848 and 1851. The work surveys the manners, customs, trade, industry, sciences and arts of Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and its chapters were illustrated with plates after objects in museums, churches and private collections of the day. This plate belongs to the fourth volume, issued in 1851.

With its lettering intact, the plate suits a plain mat and a simple frame, and it hangs well beside other plates from the same chapter.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.