Fine antique French Napoleon III or Victorian to Edwardian era 5.5" tall Holy water font or "bénitier"with gilded crucified Christ figure on white metal cross displayed on a pale green colored marble or onyx & bronze plate backing! One of a handful of old Holy fonts that I've been working on over the last few weeks, just getting them cleaned up a bit and ready for photos and listings so be sure to browse our inventory. 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 and beyond. These pieces 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. Possibly a tiny nip or two but, as you can see, this one is in a very well preserved state. Some tiny 'bubbling' to the chrome style plating on the cross itself, likely brass underneath. See images for all measurements.
