In this rare and gorgeous poster for a 19th Century Passion Play, we have some of the main scenes of Christ's final hours, with the central section showing his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Passion plays tell the story leading up to his Crucifixion and have been performed since the Middle Ages to enliven the imaginations of the faithful. Today in the USA there are a number of Passion Plays running on stage, as well as of course the cinematic and television productions.

This one was written by Edmond Haraucourt (1856 -1941), a popular French poet and novelist. He wrote his play The Passion in 1890. We think this poster was sold as an add-on to those who licensed the play and bought copies of the script, to help promote their local productions.

Francisco Tamagno (1851-1933?) was one of the premier commercial artists of his day. He was born in Sintra, Portugal, in 1851, and moved to Paris where he worked as the lead designer for the huge Camis printing house. He did a vast range of beautiful posters for a wide array of clients. (source: callihan.com) There is another poster for the play done by Alphonse Mucha, another great painter of the day, which we think was done at least five or ten years later, showing the staying power of Haraucourt's play.

Pope St. John Paul II, who was involved in theater in his young adulthood. said that in order to communicate her message, "the Church needs art." This beautiful poster is an attractive way to have an expression of the Passion of our Lord to help you stay mindful of the price He paid, as well as draw the eye of those who visit, giving an evangelical opportunity.

** IMPORTANT ** IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER!! There is a white border around the image! .5" for 5x7, 1.3" for 8.5x11, 1.6" for 11x14". Image is smaller than the paper!!!!

- Acid-free paper
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

Thanks for your interest!
Sue & John

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - Classic Catholic Art.