Antique Eighteenth Century French Religious Tabernacle Door

Originating from a collection near Marseille, it is adorned by a exquisitely hand carved monstrance ((in the Roman Catholic Church) an open or transparent receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for veneration). The reverse of the door is in colorful contrast to the face; hand painted with a bouquet of red and blue flowers.

The door panel and monstrance (with rising cross) are of French white oak (walnut may have been used for the pointed rays as it is softer and lends itself better to fine carving). The monstrance has an under painting of red and brown which shows through in places under the very heavy application of gilt leaf. The original lock face plate and works survive, though are frozen and non workable. The painted back panel is a smaller 1/2" thick plank of wood which is attached to the larger carved piece.

Where the hinges would have been attached, the door is exposed to raw wood. The curved, beveled edge has a thick gilt leaf coating which is worn to the wood in places as is typical with advanced age and use.

It measures: 12" x 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" thick (counting both the front and back panel widths. It is in good condition for it's advanced age (between 1790 and 1800). There are missing bits of paint and gold leaf as expected. The rough right edge is solid and intact.

The thickness (1 1/2") of the monstrance stand as well as the face (1/2") bring it forward from the background in a striking manner. It is a charming eighteenth century example in design and workmanship which would have served in a small country parish.