Le Petit St Jean/El Chiquito St Juan, Hand-Colored Engraving, Mid 1800s

This antique, hand-colored engraving of Little St.John (Petit St Jean or Chiquito St. Juan) is by the printer Benard Lemercier and Company (seen in center of border, below title). Paris V (arrondissement) and the publisher Turgis of Rue St Jacques, 16 appear on border at the lower left corner below the title of the print. Turgis was a publishing house that began in Toulouse in 1828 after which the founder established a base in Paris in 1853. The printing house known as Lemercier operated between 1827 and 1899. I'm estimating this engraving is circa 1850s.

The subject of this engraving is John the Baptist as a child and the Lamb of God (Christ). His staff is that of a cross, and the ribbon bears the Latin version (Ecce Agnus Dei) of Behold the Lamb of God, but this cannot be seen on this particular ribbon. This child will one day become John the Baptist, but for now, he is seen as Holy John the Forerunner until he comes of age.

Dimensions: 8 ¾" x 7 ⅞".

*****Condition: Please examine the photos carefully and do let me know if you need more as I'll be happy to oblige.

*****The engraving does not lie flat even though it was pressed between two tomes. This can again be undertaken by the new owner to further flatten the engraving. Also, it is possible the engraving will flatten when/if framed.

*****There is considerable soiling and discoloration of the engraving, particularly visible around the border where there is no color. There is also a curved mark as seen in the sixth photo at the top edge of the border

*****There are areas of color loss as seen most prominently in the ninth and tenth photos. Other less noticeable areas of color loss are the trees to the left of the lamb as well as the sky.

*****There is creasing, particularly around the border. Please see the sixth photo for an example of this. This is the most prominent crease.

Thank you for looking.