Set Of Four Antique French Religious Carbon Prints By Maison Ad. Braun & Cie

These four original carbon prints have been made by the French publishing house Maison Braun & Cie. (see labels on the backs). The company was launched in 1853 in the town of Dornach, Alsace, France by Adolphe Braun (1812-1877). The company specialized in (large) reproductions of artworks and came to open offices in Paris (1868), London and New York. In 1883 the company, which had been taken over by Adolphe's son and other family members, became the official and sole photographer/publisher for the Louvre Museum in Paris and other stately owned museums in France. They also had a very impressive sale list of images from other reputed European museums and collections. The company was taken over in the 1950s and the brand ceased to exist in 1969. This set consists of four framed, original carbon prints of late middle-age religious paintings by Italian masters. These prints most likely date from late 1800s or early 1900s. The two large angels are sections from the Linaiuoli Triptych, dated 1433 and painted by the Italian artist Fra Angelico (circa 1387-1455). He is often referred to as the "painter of angels". The female saint holding a book is from the artwork "Annunciation" by the Italian painter Fra Filippo Lippi (1406-1469). The origine of the male saint is unfortunately still a mystery despite my research. What is sure is that it is not a work by Fra Angelico nor by Fra Filippo Lippi but rather by a third artist. All four prints have been put under glass and nicely framed in simple, dark, wooden frames. They all have their original hangers as well as new ones. These decorative, original prints are in good antique condition. They show no signs of humidity which can often be the case with old prints. The backs have recently been redone (lining and hangers) however without damaging the original paper labels. The frames show signs of wear (scratches) consistant with age and use (see photos). Sold as a set of four.Dimension larger prints: 50.5 cm/ 19 3/4", width 19.5 cm/ 7 1/2", depth 1.25 cm/ 1/2".Dimension smaller prints: 46.5 cm/ 18", width 17 cm/ 6 3/4", depth 1.25 cm/ 1/2". Approximate dimensions for the suggested layout: height 50.5 cm/ 19 3/4", width 78 cm/ 30 3/4", depth 1.25 cm/ 1/2". Weight as a set of 4: 2975 g/ 6.56 lbs