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Beautiful antique religious devotional panel depicting Jesus Christ and the Twelve Apostles at the Last Supper.
Measuring approximately 12" x 9", the piece features an intricately embossed/tooled leather surface mounted over a rigid backing board. The leather has a rich reddish-brown ground highlighted with elaborate gilt/gold-tone decoration.
The central Last Supper scene is exceptionally detailed, with Christ seated at the center beneath a radiant halo. Above appears the Holy Spirit represented as a dove, while angels, scrolling foliage, architectural motifs and ornate Renaissance-style borders surround the scene.
The close-up photographs show the remarkable amount of fine detail impressed into the leather, including facial features, garments, tableware and decorative elements.
The piece shows significant authentic age and wear, including surface craquelure and dryness, rubbing, discoloration, losses around the perimeter, and areas where the leather has lifted or separated from the backing. The reverse retains an old paper/card covering. It has not been restored, and the condition is shown clearly in the photographs.
A striking surviving example of antique Catholic devotional art and decorative leatherwork, with wonderful old-world character. An excellent piece for a collection of antique religious art, Catholic devotional objects, ecclesiastical décor, Last Supper imagery or antique leatherwork.
