The Guardian Angel (Schutzengel)
Original watercolor or gouache painting on paper (likely framed with a mat) • Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (Berta Hummel)
Style & Movement
German Illustrative / Christian Folk Art. Stylistically characterized by the 'Hummel' aesthetic: rounded, cherubic faces, muted earth tones, and sentimental religious themes.
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and charcoal/graphite on paper. Employs soft blending, linear detailing in the hair and wings, and localized color washes typical of Biedermeier-influenced illustration.
Creation Period
Circa 1935-1945
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches (sight); Portrait format in a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
A winged guardian angel in a flowing cloak leads a small child holding a walking stick through a landscape. The angel points forward, protecting the child from a small snake (symbolizing evil or danger) on the ground. The composition is intimate, focusing on the protection of innocence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. The colors appear somewhat muted, which may be intentional or due to slight light-induced fading. The paper shows age-appropriate toning.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 (depending on verification of original status vs. high-quality lithograph)
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000
Provenance History
Signature 'M. I. Hummel' visible in the lower right. Likely acquired in Germany or through a collector of Hummel memorabilia. Lack of visible gallery labels suggests private family ownership.
Art Historical Significance
Berta Hummel was a Franciscan nun whose drawings became a global phenomenon through Goebel porcelain figurines. Her work represents a specific era of German Catholic art that provided comfort during the interwar and WWII periods. Original works by her are considerably rarer than the mass-produced figurines.
Notable Features
Features the iconic signature 'M.I. Hummel'. The frame is a period-style gilded wood frame with beaded detailing, consistent with mid-20th-century presentation.
Condition Issues
Possible light foxing or oxidative yellowing of the mat and paper. Slight undulation of the paper support under the glass. Potential minor fading of the yellow pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Check for acid-free mounting and matting. Use UV-protective glass and keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the watercolor washes.