Foil Prints

The classic encyclopedia of the arcane in an expanded edition. Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcane practices has remained a classic since first published in 1928. Hall’s densely detailed writings explore topics ranging from Hermeticism to Tarot, Egyptian mythology to Pythagorean theory. Each chapter is accompanied by the vivid illustrations of artist J. Augustus Knapp, with additional images by Mihran Serailian found in the companion volume, each taking their own unique approach to nearly 60 artworks depicting occult subject matter. The initial concept for what became known as Hall’s “Great Book”, first began in 1923 when the young Los Angeles-based orator began a months-long trip around the globe. Circumnavigating by ship, Hall visited Egypt, China and India, immersing himself in the philosophical and religious history of each country. Upon his return he spent the next five years penning his massive compendium of philosophy and myth. Nearly a century after its release, this iconic masterwork has been reproduced for the first time from the rare and extravagant original edition. This meticulously-restored version of Hall’s “Great Book” is also accompanied by an expansive companion book, featuring condensed summaries of each chapter of The Secret Teachings, alongside newly-discovered artworks, rare photography...

A set of four original Pop Art serigraph (screen) prints by Australian artist Catherine Ford, signed and dated 1974. These can be hung in a pattern or any ...

A mid 19th century English full length portrait tinsel print hand colored and hand embellished, framed and retailed by Saxon and Clemens of New York City circa mid 20th century. This print depicts, "Mr. Freer as Marmion". This is one of three tinsel prints that I have available on my HKFA storefront here on 1stdibs. From the Robertson Davies Collection website, I would like to share with you this fascinating history of tinsel prints, "As the popularity of these prints became wide spread, bags of prepared tinsel decorations were sold along with the prints making them customizable by the purchaser. Thus after the tinseling process, no two prints would be identical. Tinsel prints emerged from the tradition of toy theatres. Once an appropriate model theatre was purchased, the public could buy prints depicting actors, actresses and scenery from plays that were being performed at the time and recreate those plays in their home. As the "juvenile drama" became popular, play books were published along side prints so the words of the plays could be recreated as well. While the genre flourished the desire to purchase a larger print of a specific actor or actress remained. Thus two types of theatrical prints became to be printed: those for juvenile dramas that were small and excluded specific actors names, and actors portraits that were larger and more individualized. In the larger theatrical portraits, characters were "always displayed full length" and "striking [a] habitual and dramatic pose". The 1830's marked the emergence of tinseling prints as a past time. Before this time, if an individual wished to embellish a portrait, individual sheets of metal foil would have to be purchased, measured and cut to fit an individual print. Once tinseling became common, different packages of precut tinsel (specific to the print)would be sold with each print as aforementioned. The term tinsel specifically refers to the metal sheets used to represent armor and weapons, but more broadly includes pieces of satin, silk, velvet, leather, and feathers among other embellishments. Although tinsel prints are now viewed as works of art, in the nineteenth century they were no more than a child's pastime. Most sources cite tinseling, as well as toy theatre, as being most popular among boys from the working class. Their popularity among boys could explain why male portraits were produced more frequently than female, however, it is more likely that male costumes, with their multiple pieces of armor and arms...

A mid 19th century English full length portrait tinsel print hand colored and hand embellished, framed and retailed by Saxon and Clemens of New York City circa mid 20th century. This print depicts, "Mr. Freer as Alonzo the Patriot". This is one of three tinsel prints that I have available on my HKFA storefront here on 1stdibs. From the Robertson Davies Collection website, I would like to share with you this fascinating history of tinsel prints, "As the popularity of these prints became wide spread, bags of prepared tinsel decorations were sold along with the prints making them customizable by the purchaser. Thus after the tinseling process, no two prints would be identical. Tinsel prints emerged from the tradition of toy theatres. Once an appropriate model theatre was purchased, the public could buy prints depicting actors, actresses and scenery from plays that were being performed at the time and recreate those plays in their home. As the "juvenile drama" became popular, play books were published along side prints so the words of the plays could be recreated as well. While the genre flourished the desire to purchase a larger print of a specific actor or actress remained. Thus two types of theatrical prints became to be printed: those for juvenile dramas that were small and excluded specific actors names, and actors portraits that were larger and more individualized. In the larger theatrical portraits, characters were "always displayed full length" and "striking [a] habitual and dramatic pose". The 1830's marked the emergence of tinseling prints as a past time. Before this time, if an individual wished to embellish a portrait, individual sheets of metal foil would have to be purchased, measured and cut to fit an individual print. Once tinseling became common, different packages of precut tinsel (specific to the print)would be sold with each print as aforementioned. The term tinsel specifically refers to the metal sheets used to represent armor and weapons, but more broadly includes pieces of satin, silk, velvet, leather, and feathers among other embellishments. Although tinsel prints are now viewed as works of art, in the nineteenth century they were no more than a child's pastime. Most sources cite tinseling, as well as toy theatre, as being most popular among boys from the working class. Their popularity among boys could explain why male portraits were produced more frequently than female, however, it is more likely that male costumes, with their multiple pieces of armor and arms...

A mid 19th century English full length portrait tinsel print hand colored and hand embellished, framed and retailed by Saxon and Clemens of New York City (original paper backing has been lost to time, however this print is similar to two others both from Saxon and Clemens) circa mid 20th century. This print depicts, "Mr. Collins as Sir Reginold the Bold in the Giant of Palestine". This is one of three tinsel prints that I have available on my HKFA storefront here on 1stdibs. From the Robertson Davies Collection website, I would like to share with you this fascinating history of tinsel prints, "As the popularity of these prints became wide spread, bags of prepared tinsel decorations were sold along with the prints making them customizable by the purchaser. Thus after the tinseling process, no two prints would be identical. Tinsel prints emerged from the tradition of toy theatres. Once an appropriate model theatre was purchased, the public could buy prints depicting actors, actresses and scenery from plays that were being performed at the time and recreate those plays in their home. As the "juvenile drama" became popular, play books were published along side prints so the words of the plays could be recreated as well. While the genre flourished the desire to purchase a larger print of a specific actor or actress remained. Thus two types of theatrical prints became to be printed: those for juvenile dramas that were small and excluded specific actors names, and actors portraits that were larger and more individualized. In the larger theatrical portraits, characters were "always displayed full length" and "striking [a] habitual and dramatic pose". The 1830's marked the emergence of tinseling prints as a past time. Before this time, if an individual wished to embellish a portrait, individual sheets of metal foil would have to be purchased, measured and cut to fit an individual print. Once tinseling became common, different packages of precut tinsel (specific to the print)would be sold with each print as aforementioned. The term tinsel specifically refers to the metal sheets used to represent armor and weapons, but more broadly includes pieces of satin, silk, velvet, leather, and feathers among other embellishments. Although tinsel prints are now viewed as works of art, in the nineteenth century they were no more than a child's pastime. Most sources cite tinseling, as well as toy theatre, as being most popular among boys from the working class. Their popularity among boys could explain why male portraits were produced more frequently than female, however, it is more likely that male costumes, with their multiple pieces of armor and arms...

A limited edition serigraph on metal foil titled, Coast Range, by the American printmaker Carol Summers (1925-2016). Known for using woodcut process to create his works, the metallic...

A circa 1980 limited edition signed and numbered gold foil embossed serigraph titled “Kings of Jerusalem” by renowned Israeli artist Moshe Castel (b. 1909–1991), professionally frame...

Fabulous large silk screen on foil target panel by listed British Artist Peter Gee circa 1960's which is a one of a kind color combination. The pane...