Antique 19th Century French Gilded Bronze Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Socle

This exquisite sacred heart ex voto has it's own hand made stand (most likely convent work). It originates from a small Parisian collection and dates from 1880.

The little stand or socle has been fashioned from paper board. It is tall and in a square-inspired pyramid form. It is covered in a blue paper and is embellished with gilt metal braid. The sacred heart is of gilded bronze. It has a beautiful flame which is embellished with tiny raised dots (this is a bit unusual). The dots give a lovely texture to the flame. There is a large "M" for Mary on the face which is hand engraved with horizontal stripes. The stripes give a shimmer to the large initial. The heart opens to a brilliant gilded interior. The latches are unusual and of a finer workmanship than is normally found. The heart is heavy and solid. It is attached to the socle with a gilt metal thread which is placed through the hanging ring at the back.

The sacred heart measures: 3 3/8" x 2" x 1/2" thick. The socle measures: 4 1/4" tall, 2 1/4" wide at the bottom, 1 5/8" wide at top. Both pieces are in very good antique condition.

Once used as a devotional piece, it has a glorious presence and patina. The socle is unique, made especially to honor and hold the sacred heart.