THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Antique 19th Century Gilded Brass French Sacred Heart Ex Voto Reliquary

**This item has sold.** A beautiful, authentic antique sacred heart, it originates from a small collection found in the south of France. It dates between 1880-1890

It's gilded bronze/brass body is embellished with 72 clear bezel set crystal/glass stones. Beginning with a rope frame, which forms a channel for the stones, the heart "box" shape curves sharply upward. At the center is a large manuscript initial, "M" for Mary. The flame rises from the center; it is set with both small, medium and large glass/crystal stones. The voto opens from the back to reveal a brilliant gilded brass patina (this is the original patina, the outer part of the voto retains a slightly more somber patina which resulted from tarnish and incense smoke...). The back of the voto has the model number, 11, stamped into the metal. There is a round ring at the center back for threading a ribbon or chain.

It is in sound and good antique condition: it retains all stones, does have tarnish in accordance with age. It measures: 4" tall and 2" wide.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as we know it, began about the year 1672. It continued into the 19th century particularly in Spain, France and Italy where votos became widely produced. This type of sacred heart voto is particular to France and among the most beautiful examples. It is a beautiful representative of the Sacred Heart devotional history.