Greeting Card 1820 - 1830

This Greeting Card was made by Johannes Endletzberger in the late 18th or early 19th century, from an intriguing array of materials. Mother-of-pearl forms the pages of an open book, its iridescent sheen catching the light, while delicately painted vellum serves as the backdrop. But look closer, and you'll notice other materials at play: gilt paper, metal, and watercolor, all meticulously assembled. The book bears the inscription "Wandle froh durchs Leben," or “Go happily through life.” The card is embellished with symbolic elements, such as crossed arrows and a flaming torch, emblematic of love and friendship. The creation of this card was a labor-intensive process, demanding precision and skill. The artist was working within a well-established tradition of decorative arts, where the value of an object lay not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in the time and care invested in its making. This exquisite card transcends the boundaries of fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday objects.