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!
Both a religious devotional item and a work of fine decorative art, characteristic of the ornate craftsmanship popular during the French Second Empire under Napoleon III. It would likely have been used in a private chapel or home. During the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in devout Catholic households in France, it was common to have a domestic holy water font mounted near a bedroom door or in a hallway. Family members would bless themselves before prayers, before bed, or when leaving the house, invoking divine protection and sanctity within the home. A wonderful decorative and/or devotional piece and one of a few that we currently have available. Browse & enjoy!
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.
