Antique French Miniature Religious Book – La Sainte Vierge et la Jeune Fille
Antique French Miniature Religious Book – La Sainte Vierge et la Jeune Fille
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Additional Description:
A charming and finely bound miniature French devotional volume, titled La Sainte Vierge et la Jeune Fille (“The Holy Virgin and the Young Girl”), presented in a rich burgundy leather binding with blind-tooled decorative borders and gilt titling along the spine. The compact format is elevated by beautifully gilt page edges and intricate patterned endpapers in red and gold, reflecting refined late 19th-century French bookbinding aesthetics.
The interior includes a delicate engraved frontispiece and neatly printed text framed with red ruled borders throughout. Of particular note is the original handwritten inscription dated June 22, 1899, a deeply personal dedication expressing religious devotion and affection—adding a layer of intimate provenance and emotional resonance. The scale, craftsmanship, and preserved details make this an exceptional example of devotional “gift books” often presented to young women during significant religious milestones.
Translation: "Mary Immaculate, O my Mother! I have the happiness of growing up in your blessed house. I want to always be your child; keep me, I beg you, until my last sigh.
Pious memory of an affectionate nun. June 22, 1899. Marguerite de la Croix"
Era: Late 19th century (circa 1899 inscription)
History:
During the 19th century, small-format Catholic devotional books were widely produced in France, particularly for young women and girls as part of their religious education and moral formation. Works such as this, authored by clergy like P. Victor Vieille of the Jesuit order, offered guidance on virtue, perseverance, and Marian devotion. These books were frequently given as gifts for First Communion, confirmation, or entry into religious life, often inscribed with heartfelt messages as seen here.
Provenance:
France; inscribed June 22, 1899 with a personal dedication referencing religious devotion (“Marie Immaculée…”), likely presented as a spiritual gift. Published in Limoges by Dalpayrat & Depelley.
Materials:
Leather binding (blind-tooled), gilt page edges, paper, ink, printed and engraved elements
Dimensions:
Disclaimers:
Light wear to leather with rubbing at edges and spine; minor foxing and toning to interior pages; binding remains structurally sound; inscription ink slightly faded but legible.
Additional Description:
A charming and finely bound miniature French devotional volume, titled La Sainte Vierge et la Jeune Fille (“The Holy Virgin and the Young Girl”), presented in a rich burgundy leather binding with blind-tooled decorative borders and gilt titling along the spine. The compact format is elevated by beautifully gilt page edges and intricate patterned endpapers in red and gold, reflecting refined late 19th-century French bookbinding aesthetics.
The interior includes a delicate engraved frontispiece and neatly printed text framed with red ruled borders throughout. Of particular note is the original handwritten inscription dated June 22, 1899, a deeply personal dedication expressing religious devotion and affection—adding a layer of intimate provenance and emotional resonance. The scale, craftsmanship, and preserved details make this an exceptional example of devotional “gift books” often presented to young women during significant religious milestones.
Translation: "Mary Immaculate, O my Mother! I have the happiness of growing up in your blessed house. I want to always be your child; keep me, I beg you, until my last sigh.
Pious memory of an affectionate nun. June 22, 1899. Marguerite de la Croix"
Era: Late 19th century (circa 1899 inscription)
History:
During the 19th century, small-format Catholic devotional books were widely produced in France, particularly for young women and girls as part of their religious education and moral formation. Works such as this, authored by clergy like P. Victor Vieille of the Jesuit order, offered guidance on virtue, perseverance, and Marian devotion. These books were frequently given as gifts for First Communion, confirmation, or entry into religious life, often inscribed with heartfelt messages as seen here.
Provenance:
France; inscribed June 22, 1899 with a personal dedication referencing religious devotion (“Marie Immaculée…”), likely presented as a spiritual gift. Published in Limoges by Dalpayrat & Depelley.
Materials:
Leather binding (blind-tooled), gilt page edges, paper, ink, printed and engraved elements
Dimensions:
Disclaimers:
Light wear to leather with rubbing at edges and spine; minor foxing and toning to interior pages; binding remains structurally sound; inscription ink slightly faded but legible.