Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
Lot 216

Tintype of Religious Statuary Display

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

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Rare and visually striking 5 x 7 tintype depicting a grouping of painted religious statuary arranged on a table against a plain studio backdrop. The central figure is a large statue of a saint or bishop holding a crucifix, flanked by guardian angels and other devotional figures, including a priest holding an infant and several smaller cherubs or childlike saints. The tallest statue rises well above the others, creating a layered tableau with a strong sense of depth and symmetry. Many of the figures are hand-painted, with details such as rosaries, vestments, and halos carefully highlighted.

This is a compelling early photographic document of Catholic iconography in domestic or ecclesiastical use, likely representing a private altar or devotional display. The composition, lighting, and care in arrangement suggest this may have been part of a photographic study of devotional objects, or possibly created for a religious goods catalog or parish record.

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