Napoleon III French Holy Water Font with Bisque Madonna, Rue du Bac, Paris

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
H 16 × W 10.5 × D 6 cm

Condition
Presented in antique condition with age-related wear and minor losses to the extremities. The bisque relief remains protected beneath its original curved glass. The ebonised frame shows age-related marks and wear, and the piece retains some dust and patina from over a century of display. Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description.