print - engraving

print - engraving

Intaglio engraving print depicting Little Loretto, the original home of the Sisters of Loretto. Image shows an area surrounded with a Virginia zigzag fence containing seven log buildings (one with a steeple), fields in the background, and a central allegorical image of the habited Sisters of Loretto kneeling at the foot of Christ's crucifixion and Mary with a pierced heart. Print is labeled in Flemish or Dutch, French, and English, "Little Loretto Kentucky United States of America," with the following buildings identified: a) Monastery & Chapel; b) School of Orphans; c) Kitchen & Refectory of the Monastery; d) Garden; e) House of Servant & Meat; f) House for Guests & Sick; g) Dwelling of the Confessor; h) Kitchen of Him; j) Stables; k) Gate to the Road. "Sr Aurelia" written on back.

This print was commissioned from Courtois of Malines (Mechelen, Belgium) by Fr. Charles Nerinckx during Nerinckx's trip to Europe in 1816. Courtois is likely Jean Pierre Alexandre Courtois (b. 1789). Nerinckx likely used the print as a tool for fundraising and recruitment during his travels. See also 2021.000.050.

Jean Pierre Alexandre Courtois

1816

10.5" x 12.75"

Prints

0014b