Fabulous antique French Napoleon III to Belle Epoque era Holy water font, a beautiful piece with colorful champleve enamel & gilt bronze cross & lidded font displayed on a solid wood mat with crossed ribbon pattern gilt bronze 9 3/4" outer oval frame! Not sure if the wood mat is original, we most often see these old champleve enamel cross & font pieces with alabaster or marble but wood not unheard-of and, as you can see here, quite visually attractive! Solid wood with a slight 'ribboned' grain, vivid deep blue, green, pink, red & yellow enamels set into the bronze cross, font receptacle & lid. Nice larger size, a marvelous decorative and/or devotional piece and guaranteed to impress.
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 to excellent condition. No flaws to note other than a bit of wear to the gilding in places. A nod to the fact that the wood mat may be a restoration. See pictures for all measurements.
