Vintage Lourdes religious pendant, hexagonal relief medallion, old Catholic

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique religious pendant features a hexagonal shape and a silver-tone visual finish, with an embossed decoration depicting the iconic scene of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. On the visible side, the medal shows a standing Virgin in a grotto, with a kneeling figure at her feet, typical of the representation of Saint Bernadette. The word "LOURDES" is clearly inscribed below the scene, in legible capital letters, attesting to its spiritual origin and direct link to the famous Catholic pilgrimage site.

The medallion features an embossed surface, offering a textured and contrasted rendering that highlights the details of the religious scene. The contours are sharp and the background evokes the rock of the Massabielle grotto. The pendant is suspended from a tubular metal bail, connected to a braided mesh type attachment, giving a robust and elegant appearance to the whole.

The overall hue is metallic gray, with slight oxidation nuances visible on the front, accentuating the depth effect of the motif. No decoration or inscription is visible on the other sides, which are not shown in the photo. The ensemble gives the impression of an antique object, typical of religious souvenirs distributed in Lourdes throughout the 20th century.

The embossed scene is finely executed, with each element clearly identifiable: the posture of the Virgin, the kneeling silhouette, the floral elements at the base, and the details of the rock. The upper attachment is solidly fixed, and the braided mesh evokes the styles of religious medals produced in the mid-20th century, although the exact period is not specified.

This religious pendant, also called a Lourdes medal, is designed to be worn or hung, whether on a chain, a cord, or as decoration on a personal item. Its finish and general condition visible in the photo attest to prior use, reinforcing its vintage character.

Condition

Used item and sold as is. Visible patina, traces of wear, and slight natural marks related to time. See photo for the exact condition of the front side.

Did you know? The Sanctuary of Lourdes, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is one of the main Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, since the Marian apparitions of 1858. Lourdes medals and pendants are traditionally brought back as objects of piety or protection, and their iconography follows precise codes established from the end of the 19th century.

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Keywords: Lourdes medal, religious pendant, antique Catholic jewelry, vintage medallion, Virgin Mary apparition medal, pilgrimage souvenir, Catholic pendant, Lourdes medal, hexagonal medal, silver-plated religious jewelry, antique Lourdes medal, Virgin Mary pendant