Antique Late 18th Century French Hand Painted, Illuminated Monastery Work Altar Panel

This is an exceptionally beautiful painted and illuminated altar panel which portrays Christ and reads "Behold the Man". It originates from a fine religious collection in the Champagne region and dates between 1790 and 1800.

The devotional panel is most likely convent or monastery work. The artist was skilled at form and figures and has produced a poignant devotional remembrance of Christ.

The hand painted leaf is on vellum. The artwork had been worked in the style of illuminated manuscripts. Luminous colors of terra cotta, French blue, deep green, grey, mustard and midnight blue give incredible richness to the tableau. In the center is an oval medallion (2 1/2" x 2") depicting Christ with drops of blood falling from his crown of thorns. He holds the very symbolic sheaf in His right hand. His robes billow around Him and there is a brilliant, shining halo above His head. The outer frame is in gilt which reflects copper and rose colors. Stylized flowers surround the portrait with large columns to the left and right. A pair of cornucopia are filled with ferns and flowers. Arabesque scrolls are throughout, painted in rich gilt which reflects metallic colors. A banner is across the bottom, in the center is written in manuscript, "Ecce Homo".

The panel is placed under glass in a wooden frame. The frame is a simple wood form, with an eye-ring screw added later to the back for hanging. The frame would date towards 1850. It is in very good condition: the colors and design retain the original form and brilliance. The frame is in sound order with wear to the edges and bottom as is typical with age. The glass shows no cracks or chips. It measures: 10 1/2" x 8".