French Napoleon III Holy Water Font – Bisque Virgin Mary

A beautiful French Napoleon III holy water font, dating from the second half of the 19th century.

At its centre is a finely moulded bisque portrait of the Virgin Mary, protected beneath convex glass and set within a black ebonised wood frame with gilt detailing. A natural shell forms the small holy water basin below.

One of my favourite details is on the reverse, which still retains its old paper backing and a lovely surviving label from Pezou, Librairie, 15 rue du Bac, Paris.

France, second half of the 19th century

Dimensions: Approx. 16 × 10.5 × 6 cm

Materials: Bisque, ebonised wood, gilt detailing, glass and natural shell

Condition: Good antique condition with an aged patina and signs of wear consistent with its age. The convex glass and Pezou Paris label remain intact. Please refer to the photos for details.