{"product_id":"rare-1973-brass-rubbing-adoration-of-the-shepherds-signed-fitch-1500","title":"Rare 1973 Brass Rubbing Adoration of the Shepherds Signed Fitch 1500","description":"Vintage Brass Rubbing — \"Adoration of the Shepherds, 1500\"\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Memorial Brass, Cobham, Surrey\u003cbr\u003ePencil-signed \"rubbing by John and Carolyn Fitch '73\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA beautifully executed brass rubbing taken from one of the most historically \u003cbr\u003esignificant memorial brasses in England. The original brass plate (circa 1500) \u003cbr\u003eat the Parish Church of St. Andrews in Cobham, Surrey is widely regarded as the \u003cbr\u003eONLY surviving English memorial brass depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds \u003cbr\u003enativity scene — making it a unique piece of devotional art history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe composition shows the infant Christ in the manger with the ox and ass, the \u003cbr\u003eVirgin Mary resting on a tasseled cushion, Joseph standing watch, and the \u003cbr\u003eshepherds approaching from the right with crook and spade. The bold black \u003cbr\u003elinework and stylized medieval forms make this an arresting graphic image.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHand-pulled by John \u0026amp; Carolyn Fitch in 1973 on textured cream paper. \u003cbr\u003ePencil-signed at the lower edge of the image. The publisher's printed label \u003cbr\u003eappears at the lower left: \"ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS, 1500 — English \u003cbr\u003eMemorial Brass — Cobham, Surrey — Rubbing by C. and J. Fitch.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ DETAILS ★\u003cbr\u003e- Title: Adoration of the Shepherds, 1500\u003cbr\u003e- Original brass: Cobham, Surrey (the only nativity brass in England)\u003cbr\u003e- Rubbing by: John and Carolyn Fitch, 1973\u003cbr\u003e- Signed: yes, pencil-signed lower image edge\u003cbr\u003e- Sheet size: approx. 10 × 12 inches (unframed)\u003cbr\u003e- Image size: approx. 4 × 5.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e- Medium: Ink rubbing on textured cream paper\u003cbr\u003e- Condition: Very good vintage condition. Crisp impression with strong contrast.\u003cbr\u003e  Light age-toning consistent with 50+ years; a few tiny foxing specks in the \u003cbr\u003e  margins (see photos). No tears, no creases, no writing on verso.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ A NOTE ON RARITY ★\u003cbr\u003eBrass rubbings of this caliber are no longer easily reproducible. Most \u003cbr\u003emedieval English churches now restrict or prohibit rubbing directly from \u003cbr\u003eoriginal brasses to prevent further wear, and modern visitors are typically \u003cbr\u003edirected to brass rubbing centres with resin replicas. This 1973 rubbing \u003cbr\u003ewas taken on-site at St Andrew's, Cobham — directly from the original \u003cbr\u003ec.1500 brass — during the great mid-century revival of brass rubbing as a \u003cbr\u003ehobby. Hand-pulled rubbings from the actual medieval plate, signed and \u003cbr\u003edated by the artists, are increasingly collectible as a result.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ DISPLAY IDEAS ★\u003cbr\u003eA stunning addition to a Christmas\/Advent gallery wall, a religious art \u003cbr\u003ecollection, or a study of medieval ecclesiastical art. Frames beautifully in \u003cbr\u003ea simple black or natural wood 11×14 frame with a mat for the image to float.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ SHIPPING ★\u003cbr\u003eCarefully packaged flat between rigid boards in a stay-flat mailer to protect \u003cbr\u003ethe paper. Ships USPS within 1–2 business days from Washington State.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease see all photos as they form part of the description. Questions welcome!","brand":"SW Curated","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49117901750524,"sku":"ced_31907283349","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/6053\/0940\/files\/il_fullxfull.8067643919_a6gk.jpg?v=1779161485","url":"https:\/\/swcurated.com\/products\/rare-1973-brass-rubbing-adoration-of-the-shepherds-signed-fitch-1500","provider":"SW Curated","version":"1.0","type":"link"}