Antique Art Nouveau Holy Water Font, Marble, Bronze, Virgin with Lily, Signed Dirgo

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This Art Nouveau-style wall-mounted holy water font features an elegant blend of materials, combining a polychrome marble plaque with bronze elements. The piece takes on an ogival shape typical of the period, with contours emphasized by a molded border with plant decoration. In the upper part, a finely crafted bronze medallion depicts the profile of the Virgin, haloed and surrounded by stylized lily motifs. The signature "DIRGO" appears in relief on the left side of the medallion.

Just below, a metal plaque bears the inscription "VIERGE AU LIS" (Virgin with the Lily), confirming the subject depicted. The ensemble is characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement, particularly with its curved lines and floral inspiration. The marble provides a background with cloudy green and brown nuances, creating a subtle contrast with the patinated bronze.

The lower part houses the holy water basin, also adorned with plant motifs in relief, in the same decorative spirit. The details of the decoration, especially the flowers and foliage, are particularly meticulous. The bronze patina and the marble surface show a certain age, with visible signs of wear and oxidation on the basin and the border.

The ensemble is designed to be hung on the wall, as evidenced by the flat back and the adapted shape. This type of holy water font was commonly used in bourgeois interiors at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century for domestic religious practice.

The visible inscriptions, including the signature "DIRGO" and the mention "VIERGE AU LIS," give the object additional authenticity. No other text or mark is legible on the presented face.

The dominant colors are the veined green of the marble, the patinated bronze with dark reflections, and some lighter touches due to metal wear. The ensemble has a refined appearance, typical of religious decorative objects of the Art Nouveau era.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible wear on the bronze basin, some oxidation marks and traces of time on the marble and border. The ensemble remains stable and decorative, with a beautiful original patina.

Did you know? The Art Nouveau style, developed between 1890 and 1910, is characterized by an abundance of plant motifs, sinuous lines, and a search for harmony between materials. Marble and bronze wall-mounted holy water fonts were particularly popular in France during this period, notably for their quality of execution and refined aesthetics.

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Keywords: wall-mounted holy water font, Virgin Mary, Art Nouveau, marble bronze, antique religious object, Virgin with the Lily, Dirgo, antique holy water font, sacred decoration, wall plaque, 1900s style, French Art Nouveau