Napoleon III Holy Water Font, Bisque Virgin Mary

This beautifully preserved French devotional holy water font dates from the late 19th century. It features a finely moulded bisque portrait of the Virgin Mary beneath its original convex glass, framed by an ebonised wooden surround with a gilt rope moulding. Below, a natural scallop shell forms the holy water basin, creating an elegant combination of craftsmanship and symbolism.

The reverse retains its original paper backing, together with a Paris retailer's label from Pezou, located on Rue du Bac, a historic centre for religious art and pilgrimage near the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal.

Originally intended for domestic devotion, this holy water font today makes a striking decorative object, equally at home in an antique interior or a curated collection of French religious art.

France, Napoleon III period, circa 1860–1870.

Dimensions: 10,5 x 16 x 6 cm

Material: Bisque, ebonised wood, gilt wood, glass, natural shell

Condition: Beautiful antique condition with a lovely aged patina. Some minor age-related wear and small losses to the extremities, consistent with its age. The original convex glass, paper backing and Paris retailer’s label remain intact. A charming and remarkably well-preserved example.