Printing Matrix – Heraldry – Folk Art – Xylography – Haute époque – Curiosity

Mid-17th century Circa 1650–1670 German-speaking Switzerland or Southern Germany Remarkable circular printing die in fruitwood, carved in relief, presenting a heraldic composition dominated by two facing lions supporting a central shield surmounted by a royal crown with arches. Above, two radiant angels spread their wings around faces with incisive features, framed by a semicircular border typical of Germanic productions of the 17th century. This plate, engraved in positive relief, does not correspond to a mold but to a printing die intended for xylography — a woodblock printing technique of medieval origin still used in Swiss and German workshops in the 17th century. The raised parts, inked by hand, made it possible to print emblematic, votive, or artisanal images on paper or parchment. The iconography associates the lions of temporal power with the crown of sovereignty and the angels protecting the spiritual, according to a moral language inherited from humanist and reformed traditions. These images circulated in the form of devotional leaflets, ex-votos, biblical frontispieces or workshop signs, exalting faith, hierarchy and the dignity of work. The style of sculpture - direct carving, deep reliefs, unsmoothed backgrounds - links this work to the popular workshops of Zurich, Saint-Gall or Ulm, active in the production of images on wood before the widespread use of intaglio. This type of matrix today constitutes a rare testimony to the art of popular printmaking before the mechanization of printing. Through its balance between image tool and workshop sculpture, this plate asserts an emblematic, hieratic and sovereign aesthetic. Diameter: 21.5 cm Condition: superb old patina, some stabilized insect bites, intact background. ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.