Wonderful antique French Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era Holy water with a silvered metal medallion of Christ in cross, torch & quiver finial gilded frame and lidded font mounted on a white marble & bronze backing! The bas relief plaque or medallion has a silver or nickel plated finish with gilt or gold halo and depicts Christ and the Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. Sometimes, the image is shown shining within the bosom of Christ with his wounded hands pointing at the heart. The wounds and crown of thorns allude to the manner of Christ's passion, while the flames represent a furnace of ardent love. Framed in a round gilded bronze framing with bow & ribbon and laurel garland accenting the top and bottom. The plaque and font mounted to a white marble panel with brass backing. A beautiful piece for sure!
Very good condition. Some wear to the silver/nickel plating on the medallion, the coppery bronze showing through in some of the raised detail. A few small edge nips to the marble but that about encompasses any flaws. See images for all measurements.