Das ewige Leben und die ewige Verdammniss. Das Neue Jerusalem.

Lancaster, PA: H W Villee, 1820 - 1830. Unknown.. As issued.. Good; paper toned; folded at one time; two marginal tears into the printed border (no loss); two small punctures filled at some past date; tape residue on verso.. Broadside, original stencil and hand-coloring, measuring appx. 330 x 413 mm.

The earliest of 6 versions that are located in the scant institutional holdings (see German Language Broadsides in North America) exhibiting the best color scheme for the print. One of the most elaborate of the PA German devotional prints. The coloring - utilizing 5 different colors - is unusual within a genre known for its spare decorative elaboration. The theme is well known. It is based on the Gospel of Matthew: "Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadth to life, and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7, 13 - 14). The fearsome pit of fire, populated with demons, is well rendered in the lower right portion of the print - prominent before the observer. Despite its blemishes a well preserved copy with excellent coloring. See Yoder, Pennsylvania German Broadside, pp. 188 - 190; Wellenreuther, Citizens in a Strange Land.