An example of Scherenschitte, “scissor cuts”, the art of paper cutting, depicting a bucolic landscape, animated by some figures, in a gilded frame, Italy, second half of the 19th century.

Italy second half of the 19th century.

A token of love from a mysterious admirer of Rachelina.
An extraordinary example of Scherenschitte, which in German means “scissor cuts,” the art of paper cutting. The work often features rotational symmetry within the design, and the most common forms include silhouettes, Valentine’s Day cards, and love letters. This artistic tradition originated in Switzerland and Germany in the 16th century and was brought to colonial America in the 18th century by Swiss and German immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania. This delicate work of art, the fruit of incredible manual skill, depicts a bucolic landscape, animated by several figures, enclosed in a precious gilded frame. On the back, we find a written dedication to the dear Mrs. Rachelina De Bernardi Mapelli: “Please accept the small gift and do not worry about who the giver is.” Italy, second half of the 19th century.

12” – 30 CM H 13” – 33 CM L 2” – 5 CM D

REF: V1693