Baroque, Louis XIV-style antique gilded Bénitier w/ Holy Spirit dove 10¾"

A large, stunning antique gilded metal "Bénitier" or stoup for holy water likely once at the entrance of a Roman Catholic church in France. The features religious element at the heart of the highly decorated repoussé backplate is the dove representing the Holy Spirit in Christianity. The holy water basin is shaped in the form of a baroque, Louis XIV-style shell.

Repoussé work is an artisan technique that is carried out by hammering the reverse side of the piece sometimes using a chisel to obtain a high-relief decoration. This beautiful piece would make a reverent statement adding a touch of religious history and French artisan craft to any space in your home.