Antique Gothic Revival Holy Water Font (Bénitier) | Carved Wood, Brass Triptych Doors, Madonna della Seggiola Plaque

Antique Gothic Revival Holy Water Font with Madonna Triptych

A wonderful devotional piece with a little surprise inside.

European devotional shrine, believed to date to the late 19th century, featuring a beautifully hand-painted porcelain portrait of the Madonna and Christ Child.

The tender depiction of mother and child is framed within an ornate Gothic Revival wooden shrine, complete with delicate architectural detailing, a cross finial, and charming hinged doors that open to reveal the sacred portrait.

The shaped wooden plaque is mounted with Gothic Revival bronze work: a pointed arch with spires and a cross above, and a scrolled bracket below. Two engraved brass doors open like a small altarpiece to reveal a painted plaque of the Madonna and Child, after Raphael's beloved Madonna della Seggiola, with the Virgin in her striped shawl holding the Christ Child close. Below hangs a brass holy water stoup. Traditionally used in Catholic homes for personal prayer and blessing. 

The richly aged wood, beautifully patinated metalwork, and soft, luminous colors of the porcelain create a wonderful sense of history and craftsmanship.

Holy water fonts like this, known in France as bénitiers, hung by the door or beside the bed so that one could bless oneself in passing. This one is as much a small shrine as a font, and it makes a striking piece on a wall or grouped with other devotional antiques. A ring on the back allows it to hang.

A remarkable little piece of European religious heritage, full of beauty, reverence, and old-world charm. Equally lovely in a private prayer space or displayed as part of a thoughtfully collected home.

Details

Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Style: Gothic Revival
Material: Carved wood plaque, brass mounts, doors and stoup; (hand-painted porcelain) Madonna plaque
Subject: Madonna and Child, after Raphael's Madonna della Seggiola
Approximate Measurements

Height: 12"
Width: 7"
Plaque: 3.5" x 2.25"

Condition

Good antique condition. Wear and patina to the bronze and wood consistent with age; scuffs to the back of the wood. Doors open and close. No losses to the painted plaque or wood. Patina to inside of the holy water stoup.

A lovely little shrine, ready to hang and treasure.