Maison Bouasse-Lebel, “Sufferings of Jesus”, c. 1859

Widow Eulalie Bouasse-Lebel and Eldest Son (active partnership 1853–1864)

“Sufferings of Jesus”, printed in Paris, circa 1859—an antique French holy card, also widely known as a mechanical paper lace prayer card (canivet mécanique) featuring a printed prayer verso.

This holy card can be securely dated between 1853 and 1864 based on the documented publishing partnership of the widow Bouasse-Lebel and her eldest son at the historic printery address shown on the lower edge of the recto image: “Vve Bouasse Lebel et Fils aîné edit imp. 29 Rue S^t. Sulpice a Paris”.

Technical Details & Condition:

The card is composed of a central steel-engraved image featuring the head of Jesus Christ crowned with Thorns (recto) and a typography prayer (verso). The central text and image are integrated within an outer frame of exceptionally fine, embossed mechanical paper lace designed to perfectly replicate classical hand-cut lacework.

The prayer lettered in French on the reverse side translates as:
“He who applies himself to meditate often on the sufferings of Jesus Christ cannot refuse him his heart. He draws from this salutary exercise the horror of sin and true love.”

Aside from a small loss on the upper left corner and minor pale aging stains, the holy card is in very good condition for its age and the delicate nature of its fragile paper structure.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 9.7 x 6.3 cm
• Engraved image: 4.2 x 3.7 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Recto along lower edge: “Vve Bouasse Lebel et Fils aìné edit imp. 29 Rue St. Sulpice a Paris”
• Verso: “Celui qui s'ap / plique à méditer / souvent les souf- / frances de Jésus-Christ, / ne peut lui refuser son / cœur. Il puise dans / ce salutaire exercice / L’horreur du pé- / ché et le véri- / table amour. / Maison Vve Bouasse-Lebel / Paris 583” (Note: The number 583 corresponds to the specific model or catalogue series number assigned by the publisher).

References:

• University of Dayton: https://archivescatalog.udayton.edu/repositories/2/resources/330
• Wikidata (Bouasse-Lebel): https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q894945 
• École des Chartes (Dictionnaire des Imprimeurs): http://elec.enc.sorbonne.fr/imprimeurs/node/21913  

Price & Shipping:

AU$226 (approximately US$158.55 / €138.24 / £119.78), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this rare 19^th-century French mechanical lace holy card, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. Secure payment is handled via PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.