Fine antique French Napoleon III era benetier or Holy water font, champleve enamel inlaid gilded bronze or brass and mounted on a solid white marble or alabaster plaque! Always drawn to these, and it seems we can never keep them in inventory. The beautiful old champleve enamel work always reminds me of the stained glass in the majestic cathedrals of France. This one is beautiful and well preserved but with a repair. Lots of photos to review. The backing is beautifully shaped white marble, heavy. The holy font is 7.5" tall. 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 for age and type, we don't often find these without any flaw to report, no chips or cracks, and this one does have some. There is a chip to the point on the left side and also a break to that entire arm of the marble or alabaster plaque. It has been repaired with a glossy clear coat applied over just the stone and the enameled bronze portions reattached after so they're not effected. No loss to the champleve kiln-fired enamel work. Napoleon III era, c.1848-70s. Wonderful still and just recently in from France. See pictures for measurements.
