Antique Relief of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Under Domed Glass, 1890s

Details

Description

A unique, three-dimensional depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, crafted as a polychrome plaster relief and set in a … Read more A unique, three-dimensional depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, crafted as a polychrome plaster relief and set in a decorative oval frame behind original convex glass.

The figure of Jesus is rendered in distinct three-dimensional form—the face, hair, beard, and robes have a three-dimensional quality, giving the impression of a small sculpture enclosed in a deep display case. The relief is hand-painted and decorated with gilding. On his chest is the distinctive Sacred Heart of Jesus, surrounded by rays and a crown of thorns, and behind his head is a golden halo.

The object represents devotional art popular in Catholic Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The craftsmanship, polychromy, convex glass, and frame construction point to the period around 1890–1905. Probable origin: France or Belgium, or possibly another Catholic region of Western Europe.

The original old convex glass and the back structure, with its original paper backing and metal hanging hooks, are preserved.

Condition
Condition consistent with its age. Signs of aging are visible, including minor scuffs and losses in the black surface of the frame, as well as a crack/split in the wooden frame at the bottom. The polychrome relief is preserved in very attractive condition. The glass is intact, with signs of wear typical for its age.

Dimensions: 40 × 30 cm

This is a highly decorative and unique piece for collectors of early religious art, French devotional art, or objects related to the history of Catholic interior furnishings. See less