Mermet, C. - Virgin On The Crescent Moon - Late 19th Century Illumination

Paris, circa 1890. Painting on prepared vellum, signed lower right: "C. Mermet".
Sheet dim.: 285 x 205 mm, miniature dim.: 190 x 132 mm.

Magnificent illumination depicting the Immaculate Conception inspired by Revelation (chapter 12). Within a rich border of scrolls, flowers and fruits: left, a tree with phylactery held by an angel bearing the inscription "Sancta Maria Mater Dei Ora Pro Nobis"; right, large crowned fleur-de-lis above a red dragon. Center, on a crescent moon, draped in blue robes and surrounded by cherubs, the Virgin in light holds the Christ Child. Both crowned, they gaze at the dragon.

Documented artist: Mrs. C. Mermet and her daughter I. Mermet authored a Missal for first communion, confirmation and marriage (Paris, 1889) and a volume of maxims from Holy Scripture. Established at 13 rue de Belzunce then 64 rue de Clichy in 1897, she taught watercolor, painting, illumination and pyrography while offering model rentals.

Reference: HINDMAN, Sandra, Manuscript illumination in the modern age, 2001, pp. 148-154.

Condition: small paint losses, especially at bottom of sheet.