Greeting Card 1810

This delicate greeting card was crafted by Johannes Endletzberger, an Austrian artist, during the late 18th or early 19th century. It’s made from gilded paper and glass on a fabric backing, and includes an inscription in German. During this period, the exchange of handcrafted cards was a refined custom among the upper classes, often laden with symbolic meanings. This card, with its wreath of gilded leaves, evokes themes of honor and achievement, while the ribbon bears a message of friendship. Endletzberger, like many artists of his time, navigated a society undergoing significant transformation, with shifting class structures and evolving social norms. Consider how this small, intimate object reflects the values and aspirations of its intended recipient and the giver. It is a testament to the enduring human desire for connection and recognition. The card serves as a poignant reminder of the personal connections which are preserved through art.