Pair of 18th Century Italian Baroque Giltwood Altar Prayer Tablets / Mass Cartouches

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A rare pair of 18th century Italian Baroque altar prayer tablets, carved in giltwood with elegant scrolling acanthus ornament and … Read more A rare pair of 18th century Italian Baroque altar prayer tablets, carved in giltwood with elegant scrolling acanthus ornament and cresting typical of ecclesiastical carving from the period.

These devotional tablets were traditionally placed on or near the altar and served as reference panels for priests during the celebration of the Mass. The larger tablet contains sections of the Gloria in Excelsis Deo and the Nicene Creed, while the smaller plaque features the Lavabo prayer beginning with “Lavabo inter innocents manus meas…” recited during the ritual washing of hands.

Each cartouche retains its original printed Latin prayer sheets mounted within hand-carved frames finished with water gilding over gesso. The surfaces have developed a warm, timeworn patina with visible wear and areas of exposed bole that highlight the depth of the carving.

Originally likely part of a larger altar grouping, these pieces now serve as striking decorative objects and authentic examples of Baroque liturgical art.
Circa 1750–1800. See less