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Rare 1973 Brass Rubbing Adoration of the Shepherds Signed Fitch 1500
Rare 1973 Brass Rubbing Adoration of the Shepherds Signed Fitch 1500
Regular price
$49.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$49.00 USD
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Vintage Brass Rubbing — "Adoration of the Shepherds, 1500"
English Memorial Brass, Cobham, Surrey
Pencil-signed "rubbing by John and Carolyn Fitch '73"
A beautifully executed brass rubbing taken from one of the most historically
significant memorial brasses in England. The original brass plate (circa 1500)
at the Parish Church of St. Andrews in Cobham, Surrey is widely regarded as the
ONLY surviving English memorial brass depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds
nativity scene — making it a unique piece of devotional art history.
The composition shows the infant Christ in the manger with the ox and ass, the
Virgin Mary resting on a tasseled cushion, Joseph standing watch, and the
shepherds approaching from the right with crook and spade. The bold black
linework and stylized medieval forms make this an arresting graphic image.
Hand-pulled by John & Carolyn Fitch in 1973 on textured cream paper.
Pencil-signed at the lower edge of the image. The publisher's printed label
appears at the lower left: "ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS, 1500 — English
Memorial Brass — Cobham, Surrey — Rubbing by C. and J. Fitch."
★ DETAILS ★
- Title: Adoration of the Shepherds, 1500
- Original brass: Cobham, Surrey (the only nativity brass in England)
- Rubbing by: John and Carolyn Fitch, 1973
- Signed: yes, pencil-signed lower image edge
- Sheet size: approx. 10 × 12 inches (unframed)
- Image size: approx. 4 × 5.5 inches
- Medium: Ink rubbing on textured cream paper
- Condition: Very good vintage condition. Crisp impression with strong contrast.
Light age-toning consistent with 50+ years; a few tiny foxing specks in the
margins (see photos). No tears, no creases, no writing on verso.
★ A NOTE ON RARITY ★
Brass rubbings of this caliber are no longer easily reproducible. Most
medieval English churches now restrict or prohibit rubbing directly from
original brasses to prevent further wear, and modern visitors are typically
directed to brass rubbing centres with resin replicas. This 1973 rubbing
was taken on-site at St Andrew's, Cobham — directly from the original
c.1500 brass — during the great mid-century revival of brass rubbing as a
hobby. Hand-pulled rubbings from the actual medieval plate, signed and
dated by the artists, are increasingly collectible as a result.
★ DISPLAY IDEAS ★
A stunning addition to a Christmas/Advent gallery wall, a religious art
collection, or a study of medieval ecclesiastical art. Frames beautifully in
a simple black or natural wood 11×14 frame with a mat for the image to float.
★ SHIPPING ★
Carefully packaged flat between rigid boards in a stay-flat mailer to protect
the paper. Ships USPS within 1–2 business days from Washington State.
Please see all photos as they form part of the description. Questions welcome!
English Memorial Brass, Cobham, Surrey
Pencil-signed "rubbing by John and Carolyn Fitch '73"
A beautifully executed brass rubbing taken from one of the most historically
significant memorial brasses in England. The original brass plate (circa 1500)
at the Parish Church of St. Andrews in Cobham, Surrey is widely regarded as the
ONLY surviving English memorial brass depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds
nativity scene — making it a unique piece of devotional art history.
The composition shows the infant Christ in the manger with the ox and ass, the
Virgin Mary resting on a tasseled cushion, Joseph standing watch, and the
shepherds approaching from the right with crook and spade. The bold black
linework and stylized medieval forms make this an arresting graphic image.
Hand-pulled by John & Carolyn Fitch in 1973 on textured cream paper.
Pencil-signed at the lower edge of the image. The publisher's printed label
appears at the lower left: "ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS, 1500 — English
Memorial Brass — Cobham, Surrey — Rubbing by C. and J. Fitch."
★ DETAILS ★
- Title: Adoration of the Shepherds, 1500
- Original brass: Cobham, Surrey (the only nativity brass in England)
- Rubbing by: John and Carolyn Fitch, 1973
- Signed: yes, pencil-signed lower image edge
- Sheet size: approx. 10 × 12 inches (unframed)
- Image size: approx. 4 × 5.5 inches
- Medium: Ink rubbing on textured cream paper
- Condition: Very good vintage condition. Crisp impression with strong contrast.
Light age-toning consistent with 50+ years; a few tiny foxing specks in the
margins (see photos). No tears, no creases, no writing on verso.
★ A NOTE ON RARITY ★
Brass rubbings of this caliber are no longer easily reproducible. Most
medieval English churches now restrict or prohibit rubbing directly from
original brasses to prevent further wear, and modern visitors are typically
directed to brass rubbing centres with resin replicas. This 1973 rubbing
was taken on-site at St Andrew's, Cobham — directly from the original
c.1500 brass — during the great mid-century revival of brass rubbing as a
hobby. Hand-pulled rubbings from the actual medieval plate, signed and
dated by the artists, are increasingly collectible as a result.
★ DISPLAY IDEAS ★
A stunning addition to a Christmas/Advent gallery wall, a religious art
collection, or a study of medieval ecclesiastical art. Frames beautifully in
a simple black or natural wood 11×14 frame with a mat for the image to float.
★ SHIPPING ★
Carefully packaged flat between rigid boards in a stay-flat mailer to protect
the paper. Ships USPS within 1–2 business days from Washington State.
Please see all photos as they form part of the description. Questions welcome!
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