"The Annunciation?Mater Inviolata" Loreto Embroideries This is another one of our favorites of the exquisite Loreto Embroideries, a series of breathtaking embroideries from the early 1900s. The Litany of Loreto dates back to the Middle Ages and includes over 50 titles of Mary. This one, Mater Inviolata, is one of the 12 or 13 that were made into needlework. The original drawings are the work of Italian artist Ezio Anichini, who in 1912 released drawings of 46 of the Loreto titles. His work is Art Noveau in style, precise yet romantic, and emotionally engaging. It is not known who did the stitching. The embroideries were a gift to an elderly nun, who sent them to the SHCJ Mayfield Convent in Surrey, England, for safekeeping during World War II. They are now held by the Royal School of Needlework in London, regarded as masterpieces of beauty, design, and execution. (Source: CorneliaConnellyLibrary.org needlenthread.com) Original worked mostly in long and short stitch on a rich cream satin background in shades of beige, fawn, and brown silks, as well as white, warmed and enriched with gold threads. We spent a lot of time restoring this image, removing the flaws from the photograph and lightening it a bit to bring out the richness and contrast of the colors and the precision of the needlework. This image looks fantastic in a light oak frame with a cream matte. Standard size. Easy to find a ready-made frame at your local Hobby Lobby or online. ? 8.5 x 11" acid-free paper ? Archival pigments (rated to last for generations without fading if kept out of the sun) ? Cardboard backer ? Story of the card ? Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag. ** IMPORTANT ** There is about an inch-and-a-third of white space around the picture, so the image is smaller than the paper. Thanks for your interest! You might also enjoy original Catholic Art and Jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, here on this store or on my main website. Google my name. Thanks! Sue Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) by Sue Kouma Johnson ? Classic Catholic Art. ?In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art.? ~ St. Pope John Paul II