Large and impressive, this devotional is not a holy font as some in this form are, but is a charming woodland setting incorporating a cross or crucifix with a more typical vignette of nature. You see the branches and oak leaves and acorns climbing the cross, and a bird there just below the crosspiece. Lower, a scene is playing out with fox and rooster. Very dramatic, and very nicely preserved without much loss at all. A little unique in that, while these are quite rare to find, the ones we've found in the past decades usually incorporate a holy font there at the base, and more usually will have a lamb rather than woodland wildlife. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this is a late 1800s carving, remarkably intact considering the slender leaves and wings and tails, the branches. I can see that tip of one feather of the fighting rooster below has been chipped, but it rather camouflages itself with the intricately carved leaves and the action of the composition. There ought to be chipped leaves but as you can see, they're very nicely intact - perhaps one leaf lobe chipped. Over all, well-treasured for well over a century. Fox's face is a little comical, but his torso curves around the foliage and his tail is big and bushy. Appealing from all views. Found in France.
