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Luxury and Authenticity: The Significance of Gold, Laid Paper, Iron and Ink in Art

In the world of art, materials are more than just functional elements. They are carriers of symbolism, expressiveness, and history. Especially noble materials like gold and handmade paper stand for luxury and exclusivity, while more robust materials like iron and ink stand for authenticity and character. In this article, I would like to shed light on the significance of these materials in art and their different symbolic meanings.

Gold – Symbol of luxury and brilliance

Gold has been the material of choice for kings, nobles, and artists for centuries, who wish to infuse luxury and elegance into their works. It is a symbol of eternity and warmth, giving every piece of art a majestic aura. Gold is often used to convey timelessness and exclusivity – two qualities that are essential in the works of Wonnereich. The shine of gold, combined with delicate, handmade details, creates an unmistakable charm that elevates the artwork into the realm of sublime luxury.

Handmade Paper – The Foundation of Art in the Luxury Sector

Handmade Paper is the perfect example of the high standards we set for exclusivity and craftsmanship. It represents softness, timelessness, and handmade qualities – ideal characteristics for artworks that aim to reflect the highest quality in their details and craftsmanship. The soft, deckled edges and texture of handmade paper give the artworks an exclusivity that is especially emphasized when combined with gold or ink.

Iron – Robustness and Authenticity

In contrast to the noble materials like gold and handmade paper, iron brings a different symbolism into the artworks: robustness and permanence. Iron represents the strength of art, which stems from the authenticity and durability of the material. Its presence in art gives the works a characterful and authentic touch. Iron is primal; it tells stories of transformation and evolution. When combined with other materials, iron becomes a valuable means to impart stability and strength to the artworks.

Red Ink – Expressiveness and Passion

The use of red ink brings another significant element into the artwork – passion and expressiveness. Red ink symbolizes life itself – flowing, full of energy, and often a sign of sacrifice and transformation. While it serves as a symbol of energy and dynamism in many contexts, it also reminds us of the change and transformation that often accompany art. Red ink is, for us at Wonnereich, a strong symbol of passion and vivid expression, reflected in every line and form.

Conclusion: The Combination of Luxury and Authenticity

The materials used in art tell a story. Gold, handmade paper, iron, and ink represent two important aspects of art: luxury and authenticity. While gold and handmade paper stand for elegance and exclusivity, iron and ink bring character, expressiveness, and transformation into the works. Together, they create artworks that not only impress visually but also carry deeper meaning and a strong emotional impact on the viewer.

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Further information

Article about the history of gold in art, der die Verwendung von Gold in verschiedenen Kunstformen und Epochen beschreibt.

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gold/hd_gold.htm

**Website about handmade paper and its production** – Link to a page that explains the historical and artisanal value of handmade paper, how it is made, and why it is appreciated in the art world.

https://www.buettenpapier.de/

**Article about Iron as an Artistic Material** - Iron in Art, both in its aesthetic and symbolic significance.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-iron-art-history

**The Significance of Ink in Art** - An article about the use of ink in art, particularly in painting or calligraphy.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-history-ink-art

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The Rose Miracle

Elisabeth of Thuringia, the saint of love

It was one of those winter nights when the cold crept through even the thickest walls. Everything was quiet in the castle in Thuringia, except for the slight creak of a door. Elisabeth, the young landgravine, crept through the snow-covered courtyard with a basket in her hands. Her breath formed little clouds in the icy air, but she didn't let herself be stopped. Under her coat she hid bread that she had taken from the castle kitchen - a gift for the poor who were suffering in the cold.

The narrow paths to the edge of town were dark, and the snow crunched softly beneath their feet. Elisabeth knew the route well, but her heart beat faster every time she left the castle behind her. Her desire for justice was stronger than any fear.

Suddenly she heard the clatter of hooves on frozen ground. A torch bathed the trees in flickering light. Her husband, Landgrave Ludwig, discovered her. "Elisabeth!" he called, and his tone was a mixture of worry and impatience.

She stood there, holding her cloak tighter around her, and waited for him to get off the horse. His eyes rested on her, stern but also full of affection. “What are you hiding there?” he asked, looking at the basket visible under her coat.

Elizabeth hesitated. She knew that her actions did not have the approval of the court, and yet she felt that she was doing the right thing. “Just bread,” she said quietly, her voice trembling with cold and uncertainty.

“Show me,” His gaze sharpened.

Elisabeth slowly opened her coat. The moment the torchlight fell on the basket, something unexpected happened: instead of bread, there lay a bunch of roses, fresh and bright, as if they had just been plucked from a summer garden. Their colors - red, pink, white - shone in the winter night, and a gentle scent rose into the air.

Ludwig took a step back, his eyes wide with astonishment. “Roses? “In winter?” he whispered. Elisabeth lowered her gaze, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “It is the work of God,” she said quietly, “he blesses those who act with love.”

Ludwig looked at her for a long time before nodding. "You have a heart of gold, Elizabeth," he finally murmured. “Go do what you have to do.”

With these words he let her go, and Elisabeth continued on her way. This event, told over the centuries, remained not only a symbol of their charity, but also a testimony to the power of faith and humanity.

Find a modern interpretation of the motif of St. Elizabeth here

Elegant wall art for your home - Elisabeth v. Thuringia picture with real gold

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Modern Paintings

Schöne Wandbilder für moderne Wohnungen

Atelier Wonnereich specializes in modern murals for people who like timeless elegance with a touch of extravagance. In addition to handmade pictures, I also offer fine art prints that can be personalized.

The focus of my handmade murals is on modern images of saints. One line is the pictures with real 23 kt gold from the Austrian Mint. The second line is reserved for martyrs, with red document ink, symbolizing the spilled blood. Both types are applied to handmade paper.

You can also recognize real handmade paper by its uneven edges. In order to show off this beautiful effect, I have designed special frames for the wall pictures.

Classic themes for modern paintings

One of the main themes in the mural tradition was images of saints. In addition to biblical scenes and figures, depictions of saints have formed motifs for murals since the time of early Christianity. They decorated living rooms, salons, bedrooms, children's rooms, parlors and work rooms well into the 20th century.

Selection of the motif of the murals – the patron saints

Many Christian saints are patrons of certain groups, causes or causes. If a child has the name of a saint, this saint is considered the patron saint. Sometimes the parents consciously chose a saint to be their child's patron saint, sometimes they even used the saint's name, who was honored on the day of the child's birth.

Saints play a prominent role in the Christian tradition because of their exemplary lives and work. Many names have different forms, translations or spellings of the name. For certain names, several saints are entered in the name day calendar; the parents or the name bearers are free to choose to decide on a specific patron.

The situation is similar with patronages: there are patron saints for professions, places, countries, organizations, illnesses, concerns, interests or distresses. An important source and good overview of the Christian saints is this online lexicon.

Saints

You can make effective statements with images of saints on the wall. The topic is very unusual today, which makes these murals all the more exciting in contemporary living spaces, regardless of the furnishing style. Thanks to the noble materials and the combination of classic and modern, expressed, for example, in the digitally typed and printed typeface of the names of the saints in the images.

Wandbilder auf weiß mit echtem Gold und schwarzer Schrift
Buy depictions of saints as modern wall pictures with gold and black on white

Martyrs

Christian martyrs are also called "witnesses in the blood" because they voluntarily died for their Christian faith without resorting to violence.

For this reason, the martyrs are painted with red ink on handmade paper. This is particularly valuable handmade document ink.

Made with red document ink on white handmade paper with black writing

More images as a special eye-catcher in modern apartments

Personalizable maps

Motifs with the silhouette of the federal state with a symbol pointing to the special place. Names and dates can also be personalized.

Wandbilder Landkarten bunt
Personalizable maps as beautiful wall pictures for the living room

Frames

Give your wall pictures the right frame with these handmade iron plates available in different designs.

Handmade frames for paintings made of iron, also artificially rusted

Find out, which requirements must be met for canonization. They are neither superhuman nor perfect. “They are like us,” says the Vatican. And here is a list of the favorite Saints of Pope Benedikt XVI.