Antique Holy Water Font, Circa 1870, Enamelled Bronze With Painted Porcelain Miniature, Madonna of the Chair after Raphael, Onyx Base

Antique Holy Water Font, Circa 1870, Enamelled Bronze With Painted Porcelain Miniature, Madonna of the Chair after Raphael, Onyx Base

This stunning 19th century Holy Water Font, or 'Benitier' as it would be called here in France, is in simply fantastic condition. It must have spent its life in a church out of the sunlight as every part is almost perfectly preserved which is so very unusual with this type of font. The stunning Royal Onyx base is also in immaculate condition with just one tiny scratch.

All of the enamel work is perfect.

In the centre is an enamelled bronze plate into which has been set a lovely classic design porcelain painting of The Virgin Mary holding Jesus on her lap. This is a detail taken from the painting by Raphael of The Virgin Mary with Christ known as The Madonna of the Chair.

Below is a bronze font ringed with very pale blue enamel.

An absolutely splendid example of a 19th century Holy Water Font, one of the best I have ever seen.

The base measures 23 x 17 centimetres and the stunning painting is 6 x 5 centimetres.