Decoupage Cut-out Of Saint Nicholas, Known As A “canivet,” Late 18th Century Prob. German

“Cavinet” cut-out of St Nicholas, late 18th century, probably German

Paper, partially cut-out and partially coloured and gilded, 26.3 x 15.9 cm

Laid down onto card and contained in a darkwood frame, outer dimensions 31.5 x 22.5 cm

Provenance: private collection, Holland

A good-sized "Canivet" cutout, made with a small pocket knife (known as a “canif”) and mounted onto a sheet of terracotta-coloured paper. The canivet is a particular type of pious or holy image from Christian iconography, made with a combination of extremely delicate piercing and cutting techniques, intending to imitate lace. This type of image was very much in vogue in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Canivets are so-called "convent work" made by religious orders in cloisters or by pious women. They were often offered in gratitude to the orders' donors. In a central oval escutcheon, is an image of St Nicholas, with his customary mitre and Bishop’s staff.

Very high quality cut-out and in very good condition, the paper nearly undamaged and the colours strong.

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