This item has SOLD** Antique French Gilded Cast Bronze Eighteenth Century Pierced Sacred Heart Rayonnant

***THIS ITEM HAS SOLD***A beautiful cast bronze example, it dates toward the end of the eighteenth century and originates from a Belgian collection. I large ornament is a représentation of the "Coeur de Marie en Gloire" (the heart of Mary in Glory).

This exquisite devotional representation would have resided in a niche within a Catholic church, most likely near a statue of Mary. It has the heavy weight of cast bronze but is at the same time delicately detailed. There is a gilded oval "frame" interlacing over the rays which represents heaven (arabesque shapes resembling clouds). The gilded rays have distinct edges and the many different levels reflect the light with brilliance. The sacred heart of Mary is mounted (screws at the back, not eighteenth century) atop the rays. This originally was entirely silvered of which only traces remain today (mainly on the flame and rose....the silver has worn away from being touched over the centuries). The heart has a crossing band of roses. The hilt of the sword which pierces is at the top right shoulder.

It measures: 10 1/2" x 8", the heart measures 4 1/4" x 3 1/4". It is in exceptional condition for the age, wear to gilding as is typical with age and use, loss of silver to the heart as is mentioned above.

It is a spectacular devotional piece, representing the beautiful heart of Mary.