This is a rare and exceptional silver example featuring a mounted sculptural figure of "Notre Dame de Lourdes". It originates from a fine collection in the south of France and dates towards 1880. The name, "Notre Dame de Lourdes" (or Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes) is French for "Our Lady of Lourdes". It refers to the Marian apparition that is reported to have appeared before various individuals in separate occasions around Lourdes, France.
This an unusually is large "pendentif" (meant for hanging) sacred heart, measuring 3" x 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" tall. The heart is extra "puffy" and measures 1 1/4" tall from the tabletop. There is a large silver ormolu 2-D sculpture mounted to the center, Mary with her hands folded in prayer. This figure is incredibly detailed, you can see the serene expression on Mary's face, the details of her robes, the hanging rosary and cross (from her arm). Under her bare feet are the word Jesus L'Immaculee Conception": under this reads N.D. de Lourdes. The beauty of the piece is enhanced by large and very finely engraved palm fronds which gracefully curve up from the sides to provide a frame for "Our Lady of Lourdes". The engraving is very fine, consisting of tiny hand tooled marks with fine ribbon-like engraved lines filling in the leaf form.
This heart was a pendentif piece, intended to hang from a chain, perhaps worn or carried by someone in a religious order. There is a mounted ring at the top center to thread a rope or chain through. There are two silver hallmarks, sanglier, on the top and bottom sides of the heart. It is in very good antique condition: there are a few light indentations at the center back from use and time. The door works properly. Please note that it is solid silver: the photographic lights reflect reds and some yellows but the true color is solid silver.
It is an incredible, large silver sacred heart commemorating a sacred event in religious history.
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