Vintage rectangular Lourdes religious medal in antique relief metal

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This vintage Lourdes religious medal features a rectangular shape, with a thick bail and a ring for easy suspension on a chain or cord. The main side is finely crafted in relief and depicts the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, an emblematic motif of the Lourdes sanctuary. To the left, the vertical inscription "LOURDES" is clearly visible, as is the characteristic silhouette of the basilica in the background, adding an architectural touch typical of Lourdes representations.

The bas-relief decoration, patinated by time, reveals precise details: Bernadette's kneeling posture facing the Virgin, the rocky contours of the grotto, and stylized vegetation elements. The whole presents a beautiful depth, accentuated by a matte surface punctuated with traces of ancient oxidation, giving the piece an authentically antique appearance. The bail, wide and robust, is in a traditional style, suitable for use as a pendant or religious keyring.

The medal displays a dark grey-brown main color, typical of an old patinated metal, with some lighter shades on the most prominent reliefs. The piece stands out for its generous, rectangular, and flat format, contrasting with most smaller and rounded religious medals. No reverse side is visible in the provided photo, but the main side concentrates all the decorative and informative elements.

The style of the decoration, the typography of the inscription, and the patina evoke a production probably dating from the mid to late 20th century, although the object does not bear a precise visible date. No hallmark, manufacturer's mark, or material indication appears on the image; the general appearance suggests a common metal alloy for religious souvenir objects of this period.

The medal is placed on a mustard yellow cushion, on an antique doily, which highlights its contrasts and emphasizes its decorative character. The overall condition is good for a used item: presence of a uniform patina, superficial wear marks, some visible oxidation spots, but no chips or major deformations are to be reported.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Antique patina, traces of oxidation, and visible wear from use (see photos).

Did you know? Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world since the Marian apparitions of 1858. Lourdes souvenir medals are traditionally offered as a token of protection or remembrance, and their production saw a considerable boom from the early 20th century, in a wide variety of formats and styles.

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Keywords: Lourdes medal, religious medal, religious pendant, antique medal, vintage medal, pilgrimage souvenir, apparition of the Virgin Mary, Lourdes grotto, metal medallion, religious medal, Lourdes pendant, antique religious jewelry