Fine antique French Napoleon III or Victorian era 6 7/8" tall Holy water font with colorful champleve enamel cross & font displayed on a unique pink or plum colored marble & brass or bronze plate backing! One of a handful of old champleve Holy fonts that I've been working on over the last week, just getting them cleaned up a bit and ready for photos and listings so be sure to browse our inventory. The color of the marble on this one quite unique, we normally see them in white, green or sometimes black marble. Sevres blue or turquoise, red and royal 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!
Very good condition. Some small nips to the outer edge of the mable cross but no cracks or larger chips. See images for all measurements.
