France, c. 1890–1915
A richly ornamented French bénitier, or holy water font, honoring Saint Pierre Fourier (1565–1640), one of France’s great spiritual reformers and educators.
Cast in beautifully detailed gilt bronze toned spelter, the wall font is crowned by a Gothic Revival cross filled with delicate floral tracery and elegant scrollwork. At its center rests a hand painted enamel portrait of Saint Pierre Fourier, whose gentle likeness remains remarkably well preserved with vibrant blues, greens, and soft rose tones.
Beneath the cross, stylized fleur de lis support a generous holy water basin surrounded by an ornate pierced gallery. The form combines Gothic revival architecture with French ecclesiastical ornament, creating a devotional object that is both refined and deeply symbolic.
Designed to hang beside the entrance of a home or private chapel, the font would have held blessed water for making the sign of the cross upon entering or leaving, transforming an ordinary threshold into a place of prayer and remembrance.
Today it stands as a beautiful survivor of French devotional craftsmanship and a quietly uncommon tribute to one of Lorraine’s beloved saints.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
France, c. 1890–1915
A richly ornamented French bénitier, or holy water font, honoring Saint Pierre Fourier (1565–1640), one of France’s great spiritual reformers and educators.
Cast in beautifully detailed gilt bronze toned spelter, the wall font is crowned by a Gothic Revival cross filled with delicate floral tracery and elegant scrollwork. At its center rests a hand painted enamel portrait of Saint Pierre Fourier, whose gentle likeness remains remarkably well preserved with vibrant blues, greens, and soft rose tones.
Beneath the cross, stylized fleur de lis support a generous holy water basin surrounded by an ornate pierced gallery. The form combines Gothic revival architecture with French ecclesiastical ornament, creating a devotional object that is both refined and deeply symbolic.
Designed to hang beside the entrance of a home or private chapel, the font would have held blessed water for making the sign of the cross upon entering or leaving, transforming an ordinary threshold into a place of prayer and remembrance.
Today it stands as a beautiful survivor of French devotional craftsmanship and a quietly uncommon tribute to one of Lorraine’s beloved saints.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
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