Small Arch-Shaped Antique Religious Burwood Wall Plaque of Mary & Baby Jesus w/ Angels & Symbols “Our Mother of Perpetual Help” This is a wonderful antique religious, Burwood, wooden wall plaque featuring Mary holding Baby Jesus in her arms, clasping hands. Both bare a decorative crown and robe. This is a truly endearing scene captured within a plaque. Countless miracles have been attributed to 'Our Mother of Perpetual Help'. Two small Angels can be seen on both sides of Mary’s ornate halo. The Angel on the left is "St. Michael the Archangel". He's depicted holding the lance and spear with the vessel of vinegar and gall of Christ’s Passion. The Angel on the right is identified as "St. Gabriel the Archangel". He holds the cross and the nails. All of the letters and symbols are Greek and can be found throughout the background of this plaque. The initials towards the top, beside The Mother’s crown identify her as "Mother of God." The initals beside the child that read, "ICXC", are abbreviations meaning, "Jesus Christ." The bottom of this plaque bares the title, "Our Mother of Perpetual Help". Also, in the bottom right hand corner of the plaque reading vertically in very small letters, is the publisher’s initials, "Copyright B & C". The B&C stands for Boynton & Company. The delicate details and intricate embossing, indeed, brings out the beauty of this piece. This beautiful arch-shaped plaque is ready to hang with its original nail hole at the top. The back of the plaque retains its original Burwood Stamp. Although illegible, it reads, "Burwood, US Patent, Copyright Boynton & Co.". This plaque is in excellent original condition with a beautiful old patina. Circa 1920’s.

*** I've included below, much INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY AND SYMBOLIC NATURE OF THIS PICTURE, "OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP":

"A study of the portrait is necessary to understand its historical and artistic qualities. Although its origin is uncertain, it is estimated that the portrait was painted sometime during the thirteenth or fourteenth century. It is painted in a flat style characteristic of icons and has a primitive quality. All the letters are Greek. The initials beside the Mother’s crown identify her as "Mother of God." Those beside the child, "ICXC," are abbreviations meaning "Jesus Christ." The smaller letters identify the angel on the left as "St. Michael the Archangel." He is depicted holding the lance and spear with the vessel of vinegar and gall of Christ’s Passion. The Angel on the right is identified as "St. Gabriel the Archangel." He holds the cross and the nails.
When this portrait was painted, halos were not commonly depicted. For this reason the artist rounded the head and veil of the Mother to indicate her holiness. The golden halos and crowns were added much later. The Madonna in this portrait is out of proportion to the size of her Son since it was Mary whom the artist wished to emphasize.

The angels holding the instruments of the Passion have their hands covered with a protecting veil as a sign of reverence in handling sacred objects. In some Eastern rites, for example the Armenian, the deacon has his hand covered with a silken veil when he carries the gospel book. And in the Roman Rite, the priest covers his hands with the humeral veil when blessing the people at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Child Jesus is shown with an adult face and a high brow, indicating His divine Mind of infinite intelligence. As God, He knew that the angelic apparition was prophetic of His future passion. Yet in His human nature as a small child, He is frightened and runs to His Mother for protection. Our Lady hastily picks Him up and clasps Him to her bosom. This action is indicated by the fact that the Lord’s right foot is nervously curled about the left ankle and in such haste that His right sandal has become loosened and hangs by a single strap. Further action is indicated by the way the Child Jesus clasps His Mother’s right hand with both of His, holding tightly to Our Lady’s thumb.

Our Lady is clothed in a dress of dark red which was long reserved in the Byzantine world for the Empress alone, indicating the Queenship of Mary. We know that reddish purple was considered the noblest color in the ancient world. Recall that Our Lord said "Those who are clothed in purple and fine linen are in the houses of kings."

Some commentators on color claim that bluish purple became the color of penance in the Western Church (during Lent and Advent) because purple is a combination of blue and red. The blue reminds us of heaven, to which we wish to arrive by our penance, and the red recalls martyrdom, because all penance requires a dying to oneself, especially mortifying inordinate desire for food and pleasure. The archangels Gabriel and Michael were tunics of purple since they carry the instruments of the passion and death of Christ. IN the usual Byzantine style, the figures of the icon are identified with abbreviations of their names. In this icon Mary is designated by her chief title to glory: Mother of God.

Thus the picture of the Mother of Perpetual Help is a traditional Byzantine icon of Our Lady, but modified by the medieval softening of features in Cardiotissa style, touching the emotion and showing an action story proper to this art form. Our Lady’s face is of unspeakable majesty and calm and yet her large eyes, partly closed, express ineffable sorrow and sympathy. Our Lady is not looking at Jesus, but rather to us, her adopted children, as if to express compassion for us in our fears and sorrows.

The charms of the portrait are many, from the naivete of the artist, who wished to make certain the identity of each subject was known, to the sandal that dangles from the foot of the Child. The expression of the Child Jesus is haunting as He grips the hand of His Mother while gazing sideward at the instruments of torture held by the Angels. Above all, the expression of the Madonna evokes a sadness on the part of the viewer. With her head gently touching that of her Son, and while surrounded with the instruments of her Son’s sufferings, she seems to gaze plaintively—as though seeking compassion from those who look upon her.

Countless miracles attributed to the image extend from the time of its documented history in 1495 through the years until the present day. These seem to give ample testimony and proof of the portrait’s favor with the Mother of God.

The miraculous portrait is still enthroned on an altar in the Church of St. Alphonsus in Rome. The ruins of the Church of St. Matthew, where the image was reverenced for almost 300 years, are found on the grounds of the Redemptorist monastery."

- This wonderfully informative article was cited from the following website: http://www.marys-touch.com/history/olhelp.htm

***I've included below, A LOVELY PRAYER TO OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP:

Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help, a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee, and confides in thee. O Mother of mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners: be, then, my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service for ever. I bless and thank almighty God, Who in mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin, because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that in time of danger I may neglect to call on thee, and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervour of my soul, that, in all attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help! Never suffer me to lose my God!
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height - 5 ½” Width - 3”
Manufacturer: Burwood, US Patent, Copyright Boynton & Company  

Virgin Mary & Baby Jesus w/ Angels in Burwood Embossed Vintage Plaque This is a beautiful molded wood, wall hanging, vintage picture plaque featuring The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus with two angels above, crowning Mary. It is embossed with intricate details throughout. This piece is heavy and substantial. Excellent original condition and great old patina. Stamped on back – Burwood, US Patent, Copyright Boynton & Co. Original metal hanger. Circa 1940’s.
Circa: 1940's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 10 3/4" Width – 6 1/2"
Manufacturer: Burwood, US Patent, Copyright Boynton & Company  

Portrait of Jesus Wall Hanging Antique Brass Plaque This is a very attractive antique brass wall hanging plaque portrait of Jesus. The portrait has lovely detail work throughout. The plaque is in excellent original condition with a nice old patina with an age-appropriate wear. (see photo) The back of plaque reads, "L.V.A. Copyright 1924, Made in U.S.A.". Brass hanger. Circa 1924.
Circa: 1924
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 6 1/4" Width – 4 1/2"
Manufacturer: L.V.A.  

“Jesus Never Fails” Scrolled Art-Wood Antique Plaque Motto "I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee" / Josh 1:5 This is a beautiful Art-wood plaque, similar to syrocco wood. The famous motto reads, "Jesus Never Fails", "I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee". Below that it lightly reads, "Josh 1:5". Pink flowers and green leaves decorate the scrollwork. Nice patina. Back of plaque reads, "Art-Wood, Plaque No. 5263, A Warner Press Product (Made in U.S.A.)". This plaque has the original hold at the top to hang it. This piece is in excellent original condition.
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 3” Width – 7”
Manufacturer: Art-Wood, A Warner Press Product  

“The Ten Commandments” Religious Embossed Plastic Wall Plaque This is an interesting and unique religious plaque titled, "The Ten Commandments". Please note, it is only made to look like wood, similar to a Syrocco or Burwood plaque, but it is actually plastic. You would never know unless you handled it. The pictures go along with each verse, nicely complimenting the words. The title, pictures, and words are nicely embossed. Under the 10 Commandments reads, "Exodus: XX". Then, under that, is in small letters, are the words, "Copyright M.P.I.; G.G. D.". The initials ‘MPI’ stand for Multi Products, Inc. This plaque is in excellent original condition, front and back. The back of this plastic plaque is stamped, "Hanger 1125; Copyright Multi Products Inc.; Made in U.S.A.". Circa 1970’s.
Circa: 1970's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height - 10 ½” Width - 7 ¾”
Manufacturer: Multi Products Inc.; Made in U.S.A. / M.P.I.; G.G. D.  

Virgin of the Hope Antique French Bronze Embossed Medallion of Mary, Mahogany Plaque / Listed Artist: Raoul Eugene Lamourdedieu This is a unique and special French antique Bronze Medallion depicting a portrait of Mary. The medallion is originally attached and displayed on a beautiful antique mahogany wood plaque that acts as a wall picture plaque or as an optional table stand. The plaque is in the shape of a cathedral. The medallion was originally sculpted by the famous listed French artist, Raoul Eugene Lamourdedieu (1877-1953). The initials of his signature, "ER D" can be found on the medallion. The word, "Maria" can be seen embossed on the right of the medallion. This medallion has nice details throughout, creating a lovely texture and beauty. The antique mahogany wood plaque has a lovely molded edge and is in excellent original condition. Below the medallion, at the bottom of the plaque, is a celluloid label with the title of the medallion and sculptor’s name, written in French. The name plate reads, "VIERGE DE L’ESPERANCE" and translated into English means, ‘Virgin of the Hope’. Under the title, reads, "Par Lamourdedieu (Sculpt’) E.R. Edit’" and translated into English means, ‘By Lamourdedieu (Sculptor) E.R. Edit’. The medallion, too, is in excellent original condition with a beautiful patina to the bronze. The back of the plaque has a nice original brass stand for display on a table top, as well as an original round brass hanger for the wall. Circa 1920’s.
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height - 7 ½” Width - 5” Depth when displayed using stand - 5”
 

Beautiful Shapely Antique Plaster Plaque of Mary & Baby Jesus / Artist: L. Connelly / The Sisters of St. Francis Pittsburgh, PA This is a stunning and beautiful antique religious plaque. It’s made of plaster and has a lovely shape. This plaque is heavy and substantial. It features Mary bowing her head in prayer with her hands clasped. Sweet Baby Jesus is laying down in front of Mary. He appears to be fast asleep, with his hands to his chest, holding a single flower to his heart. It’s a precious scene. There’s a lot of depth and texture to this plaque. The top portion of this plaque is in the shape of an arbor and is decorated with stars around the border. The bottom portion of this plaque has a shapely scroll design ending in a shell. This antique plaque is in beautiful, excellent original condition with no wear to the old, original gold-painted finish. The plaster has just a couple very tiny flakes to the back of the plaque. There are no cracks, stains, or repairs to this piece. The bottom edge of the plaque has the artist’s name and city etched into it. The words are a little faint, but I believe it reads, "L. Connelly" and the city reads, "Chicago.". Also, there’s an interesting bit of history that goes along with this plaque. The back is signed by the gift giver with a message. It reads, "Presented by The Sisters of St. Francis; Pittsburgh, Pa.; July 10, 1935; In return for a little favor done for them a few weeks before". How intriguing! I wonder what the favor was? This convent is now called ‘Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God’. The plaque has a nice, original, strong wire hanger. Circa 1920’s.

*** I have researched and included a link where you can read all about the history and current life of THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS from Pittsburgh, PA. There is even an old picture of the Sisters who belonged to the convent around the 1920’s. Here’s the link: osfprov.org/history.asp
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Plaque Measures: Height - 13” Width - 9 ¼” Depth - 2 ½”
 

Rare Antique Religious Plaster Plaque of Saint Cecilia 'The Holy Virgin' Playing Organ w/ 3 Angels This is a rare antique plaster plaque in high relief. The picture features the beautiful Saint Cecilia (also known as 'The Holy Virgin') playing the organ (as she's famous for) looking up at three adorable angels who are visiting her. The closest angel is offering her a shower of roses. Nice details throughout. The plaque is in excellent original condition and retains the original gold finish. There are NO cracks or chips to the plaque. On the bottom edge of the plaque is the manufacturer’s name. It’s a little difficult to make out the first word, but the second word is, "Chicago". (see photo) Original hooks and wire hanger. Circa 1920’s.

*** I've included below a little information about the famous SAINT CECILIA:

"Saint Cecilia (Latin: Sancta Caecilia) is the patron saint of musicians and Church music. Cecilia was a young noblewoman of Rome. A devout Christian, she had pledged herself to chastity. Venerated in both East and West, she is one of the eight women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.

Since the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries Cecilia is represented as playing the organ, evidently to express the idea that while musicians played at her wedding, she sang in her heart to God alone. When the Academy of Music was founded at Rome (1584) she was made patroness of the institute, whereupon her veneration as patroness of church music became more universal. The organ is now her most usual attribute."

- This article was cited from the following website: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saint_Cecilia

*** I've also included below some extra information about SAINT CECILIA:

"Here follows of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr, and first of her name. Cecilia is as much to say as the lily of heaven, or a way to blind men. Or she is said of celo and lie, or else cecilia, as lacking blindness. Or she is said of celo, that is heaven, and legs, that is people. She was a heavenly lily by cleanness of virginity, a way to blind men by information of example, heaven by devout contemplation, lia by busy operation, lacking blindness by shining of wisdom, and heaven of the people. For the people beheld in her as in following the spiritual heaven, the sun, the moon, and the stars, that is to say, shining of wisdom, magnanimity of faith, and diversity of virtues. Or she is said a lily, for she had the whiteness of cleanness, a good conscience, and odour of good fame. Or she is said heaven, for Isidore says that the philosophers say that heaven is movable, round, and burning. In like wise was she moving by busy operation, round by perseverance, and burning by fiery charity.

Saint Cecilia, the holy virgin, was come of the noble lineage of the Romans, and from the time that she lay in her cradle she was fostered and nourished in the faith of Christ, and always bare in her breast the gospel hid, and never ceased day nor night from holy prayers, but recommended to God always her virginity.

However, her parents arranged for her to marry the noble Valerian. On the day of the wedding, she was clad in royal clothes of gold, but under she wore the hair. At the wedding celebration, while the musicians and singers performed music of a secular nature, her thoughts were only of God. Hearing the organs making melody, she sang in her heart, only to God, saying: "O Lord, I beseech thee that mine heart and body may be undefouled so that I be not confounded." Every second and third day she fasted, commending herself unto our Lord whom she dreaded."

- This article was cited from the following website: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/golden314.htm
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Plaque Measurements: Height - 12” Width - 9”
Manufacturer: Chicago  

Pair of Antique Italian Religious Prints of Mary & Baby Jesus, Transferred onto Wooden Plaques This is a captivating pair of antique religious prints. Both pictures feature scenes with Mary and Baby Jesus. The pictures are transferred onto their original wooden plaques. Both prints are bright with crisp, lovely, details and vivid colors. The frames that surround the pictures are wood with elaborate, embossed, and stamped designs throughout Both frames retain their wonderful original, old gold finishes. Both of the prints and frames are in excellent original condition, except that the one print of Jesus laying down has one very small light scratch near the top left (see photo). Written lightly on the back of this same piece in pencil are a few Italian words. Translated to English, the words say, "Adoring the Heavenly One". Also, this same picture has the original, "Made in Italy" label, along with another original label above. Both frames have their old metal hangers. These are two very tender and captivating pieces. Circa 1920’s.
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Plaque Measurements: Height - 6” Width - 4”
Manufacturer: Made in Italy