Vintage Italian Pope John XXIII Portrait: 3x4" Foto

Vintage Framed Oval "FOTO" miniature of Pope John XXIII (late 1950s)

Made in Italy with tags - Beautiful coloring and details

  PLEASE NOTE:  for US buyers, second item always ships free.  For international buyers, you will only pay actual weight

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 Bought some very pretty things at a recent estate sale.  The couple were  world travelers and I got some very pretty things! 

As a Presbyterian I am no Catholic Pope expert.  But I think that this beautiful "fotominiature"colored picture in frame is of Pope John XXIII. 

This guess is not entirely supported by the tag on back that reads: "Tipo Luigi Filippo Barecco Dorate Papa Giovanni 23 (and degree mark like in temperature), Mis. 7x9"

Also says: "Head fotominiatrue on yvorin"

Clear as mudd. 

But the picture bears a very strong rememblance to him (and it says 23 on tag), the tag is typewritten and he passed in the late 1950s.

Beautiful 3 1/2 x 4 1/2" oval wooden frame with gilt gold covering.  Nice shape, it has fancy scalloped edges, and several shaped curves on inner edge.  Back is sealed with what we used to call "watered silk taffeta" in red.  Looks like woven rayon to me.  Back is closed with tiny brass nails. There is a tiny brass  hook for hanging too, very fancy with a triangle shape and embossed flowers.

Slightly rounded glass covers the picture.

Picture is beautifully colored in muted shades of red, gold, ivory.  Lots of detail, the cross and ring have jewels and various colored ones at that.  The covered buttons on the clothes are clear and detailed too.  It is really very nicely done.

Not sure what "yvorin" is.  That is what this picture is printed on.  I did not take the little nails out of the back to peek at whether it is ivory paper or,,,,,,,.  If this is an issue I can certainly do that carefully if it is important to a buyer.

I am assuming that this was made in the 1950s from the nice details. The glass even has a beautiful curve to it, you don't find that today.

Condition:  very good for its age.  I found it at the estate sale nestled in an old cardboard jewelry box from Gimbles on some cotton.  Since the paper back tags are not yellowed or dirty, I suspect this has spent 50+ years in that box.

Very nice picture in gift giving condition. Would be a wonderful gift for the collector of religious items, a favorite priest, or even for yourself. 

Because of the glass, it will be shipped in a small box for safety.

IMPORTANT:  For USA buyers, second item ships free and free insurance for any item(s) over $20.  Confirmation included.  Returns accepted but please contact me first to discuss the problem.  All items covered completely against loss in the mail whether you buy insurance or not. 

International buyers welcome, but payment by Paypal only (contact me if a problem).

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