Antique 19th Century French Gilded Brass and Glass Sacred Heart Candleshade Ornament

This luminous crimson sacred heart ornament originates from a small collection outside of Paris. It dates circa 1880.

It is a candleshade ornament, which would have mounted on either a standing or permanent stand. A votive candle would have been placed behind the heart shape, illuminating the etched crown of thorns and Christogram (Latin Monogramma Christi, is a monogram or combination of letters that forms an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ, traditionally used as a religious symbol within the Christian Church).

The body of the ornament is of cast brass/bronze, which was gilded. The heart shape has an outer lower channel which is bezel set with shimmering ruby glass stones. The bezel mounts which clasp the etched glass wafer are in the form of fleur de lis. The wafer is of the deepest crimson hue. Hand etching in the form of a crown of thorns and central monogram fills the center of the heart. There are nineteen rays which created by rope-like brass/bronze channels. Each channel is set (bezel) with sparkling clear glass stones. The flame is formed from flat gilded brass onto which ruby red glass stones are set. The back of the sacred heart has a square bronze mount.

The heart measures: 6 1/4" x 5 1/4", the central etched wafer 2" x 2". It is in very good antique condition: the usual slight irregular bends to the ray frames as it typical with age and use. There are no chips or cracks to the glass heart. All stones are present (a few replacements as is typical).

The luscious crimson hue radiates among the shimmering clear stones. It is a stunning example.