Antique Sacred Heart Dedicated Saint Regina

A unique example, it is dedicated to Saint Regina, patron Saint against poverty, impoverishment and shepherdesses. It originates from a fine private collection found in Normandy, France and dates circa 1890.

Saint Regina (Regnia, French: Sainte Reine) was a third century virgin martyr and saint of the pre-schism Christian Church.

This would have been a custom ordered ex voto, with someone wishing particularly to dedicate to Saint Regina. It is also unusual as the flame is flat, reminiscent of Italian ex voto. It was cast in a mix of brass and bronze, then heavily gilded. The interior retains the original, untarnished gilded hue. The initials and palm fronds have been hand tooled onto the face. The flames are deeply grooved. There is a French patent stamp, "depose" on the right side. A large mounted ring at the back would serve to hold a chain or ribbon.

It measures: 3 3/4" x 4 1/8" x 1" thick. It is in good antique condition (over 100 years old): tiny indentations on the outer back half left as is typical of a heart which has hung on a church wall. We have not polished it.