Vannes Pilgrimage Brooch By Arthus Bertrand Of Paris Circa 1920, Gold Plated White Enamel 5x3.5 Centimetres

Vannes Pilgrimage Brooch By Arthus Bertrand Of Paris Circa 1920, Gold Plated White Enamel 5x3.5 Centimetres

The Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient Romanesque cathedral and it has been home to the relics of Saint Vincent Ferrier since 1419 and is a place of pilgrimage on the Tro Breiz route, which in the Middle Ages celebrated the Seven Holy Founders of Brittany.

The gilded medal in the centre of this lovely brooch depicts St Anne with The Virgin Mary. St. Anne has become the patron saint of Brittany. Almost all Breton churches have their statues of Saint Anne and many chapels, villages and localities are under her patronage. The Bretons, over the centuries, have introduced many religious festivals (pilgrimages) , the most important being that of Sainte-Anne d'Auray.

Arthus-Bertrand, a maker of medals and decorations, was founded in Paris in 1803 by Claude Arthus-Bertrand, an army officer during the French Revolution. Artists who have designed for the firm include Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (sculptor of the Statue of Liberty) and Fernand Léger.

Arthus-Bertrand has had many distinguished clients to include the French government. It is the official manufacturer of the French Legion of Honor and has made insignia for the Society of the Cincinnati and the Order of Lafayette.

The history of the medal, the engraver and the subject are fascinating for me and I apologise if I give you too much to read.

The lovely brooch measures 5 x 3.5 cm.