Pelerinage du Calvaire du Bienheureux de Montfort a Pontchateau
$725.00
“I am very sorry I cannot find words to explain the beauty of this work” [Script on verso]
1 in stock
Description
This fabulously detailed bird’s eye view was published anonymously in Paris in the early 20th century. The image captures the grounds of The Cavalry of Pontchateau in the northeastern part of France.
The religious site was first established in 1710 and has been expanded several times in the subsequent centuries. The view identifies nearly forty separate buildings and sculptures that can be visited by pilgrims during their trip to the area. Most locations are religious and relate to a point in the life of Christ, but with any good tourist attraction, there are also certain amenities like a hotel.
What sets this particular example apart is the incredible manuscript letter on the verso. It’s dated 4/21/1918 and sent to ‘Bettie & Kids’ from ‘Elston’. The content goes into great detail about Elston’s visit to The Cavalry of Pontchateau while taking a break from guard duty at St. Nazaire. (The coastal city was less than 30 miles from the site and also the main port of debarkation for troops of the American Expeditionary Force).
The author describes his experience as something “one must see [it] to enjoy”, hence the accompanying image sent back home. The letter concludes with touching prose;
“Just keep a stiff upper lip and some of these days we will all be together again and we will sure celebrate…I do not like to ask for a special discharge, for we kinda have a ‘feelin’ that it is somewhat yellow to do so unless one is sick, and thank the Good Lord my health is getting better every day.”
A powerful reflection on Christian religiosity during the First World War.
Map Details
Publication Date: c. 1914
Author: Anonymous
Sheet Width (in): 20.9
Sheet Height (in): 16.3
Condition: B
Condition Description: Formerly folded into 16 segments, with heavy wear and separation along former fold lines. Two panels have been re-attached with archival tape on the verso, while numerous other tears have also been repaired using archival materal. Several spots of separation remain, along with a chip in the right margin and a small hole in the lower right corner of the image. The verso features a letter, almost entirely legible, written in blue ink by an American soldier. The repairs have been carefully applied so as to minimize any impact on the writing, though in a few spots abrasion on the paper has obscured the words.
$725.00
1 in stock