1905 Martyrdom of Seven Maccabees by Ciseri Vintage Art Postcard

About This Vintage Postcard

This dramatic art postcard reproduces one of the most powerful works of 19th-century Romanticism: "The Martyrdom of the Seven Maccabees" (I Maccabei), painted by Antonio Ciseri in 1863. The scene captures a tragic biblical narrative from 2 Maccabees 7, where a Jewish mother and her seven sons are martyred for refusing to violate sacred Law. While the sons' bodies are depicted in contorted, lifeless poses, the artistic focus is on the mother's unwavering faith; she stands at the center, arms raised toward heaven in a silent offering. The original monumental oil on canvas is preserved as an altarpiece in the Church of Santa Felicita in Florence, Italy.

Details

Era: Divided Back (circa 1905–1915)
City: Florence (Firenze)
State or Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy / USA (Publisher locations)
Topic: Antonio Ciseri Art, Seven Maccabees, Biblical Martyrs, Church of Santa Felicita, Religious Romanticism, Italian Fine Art
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist: Antonio Ciseri (1821–1891)
Publisher: G. Cusumano, Florence, New York, and Boston (No. 1091)
Printer: Printed in Italy
Print Type: Chromolithograph

Additional Information

This postcard was published by G. Cusumano, a firm with offices in Florence, New York, and Boston, highlighting the robust international trade in fine art reproductions during the early 20th century. The manufacturing date is narrowed to 1905–1915, reflecting the peak era for high-quality Italian-printed chromolithographs destined for the American market. The "Printed in Italy" mark is a sign of the premium color-work for which Italian printers were renowned during the Golden Age of postcards. This specific card, part of a numbered series (No. 1091), documents Ciseri's masterpiece located in the Church of Santa Felicita. These cards were prized souvenirs for travelers visiting Florence, serving as portable versions of the massive altarpiece that remains a cornerstone of 19th-century religious art.

This postcard would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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