holy water font

Object NameHoly Water Font

Made FromGlass, Wood, Wire

Date1675-1699

Place MadeFrance, probably Nevers

TechniqueLampwork

SizeOverall H: 23 cm; Bottom W: 11.6 cm, D: 8.4 cm; Top W: 12.2 cm, D: 4.9 cm

Accession Number58.3.215

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

On ViewEuropean Gallery

Physical DescriptionMostly opaque multicolored glass; lampwork. Wooden frame in the form of a Baroque altar, with two columns in marbleized white and pink enclosed in clear glass with an aedicula; a holy water font is attached to the lower part of the altar, the font being vase-shaped and with spreading foot, short neck, and over-folded wide rim; sides and front of the wooden frame are covered with bars of black glass arranged in squares; the altar contains a crucifixion with the Holy Virgin and Saint Joseph or Saint Peter, in the upper corners two heads of angels flanking the dove emanating rays, in front of the aedicula the half-figure of God Father flanked by the female and male saints and two angels; the crucifixion is backed by a dark glass panel covered with gilded leaf ornaments, the frame of drop-like white glass attachments and gilded volutes encircle the crucifixion, rosettes applied to the lower aedicula and at the bottom of the altar, two rows of gilded and white loops applied to the upper columns, plain glass rings applied to upper and lower columns, font built of black and colorless glass and studded with an angel's head as well as leaf branches, wreaths, blossoms, and, on the foot, with a band similar to the frame; around the altar a row of drops at the edge; the colors of these ornaments are predominantly white and turquoise-blue, colors of figurines include white, red, green, turquoise, and amethyst, many borders and many of the clear glass parts are gilded, gilded wires used extensively.
Provenance

Source Berry Hill - 1958