Fine antique French Napoleon III or Victorian era 7.25" tall Holy water font or "bénitier"with colorful champleve enamel inlaid gilt bronze cross & font displayed on a cream or off white colored marble or alabaster & bronze plate backing! One of a handful of old champleve 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. Sevres blue or turquoise, red and blue enamel set into the gilt bronze cross & font. 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!
Good condition. Some small nips to the outer edge of the marble or alabaster cross. There is a repaired break to the stone visible at the bottom of the champleve cross, it has been glued and then the stone covered in a thick gloss clear coat for added strength. No damage or loss to the enamel inlay. See images for all measurements.
