Description

This religious font was created by Swiss sculptor Oscar Ruffony in around c1890/1900. The inlaid plaque depicts the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus cradled in her arm while the 2 angels Gabriel and Michael, hover on either side. The interpretation of this scene is known as the Foreshadowing of the Cross and Passion.

The plaque is encircled in a bronze gilded frame decorated with blue enamel and with evenly spaced stars below which is a moulded glass font with polished rim. Mounted on green onyx, the back is solid bronze with a ring for hanging.

The inscriptions on the plaque are clearly visible in the photos. Ruffony’s signature is to the side of the plaque.

The font measures 24.5cm x 18cm at the widest points and 1.1cm thick (9.7” x 7” x 0.4”) The overall condition is good but for 5 minor rim chips and some marks to the patina of the onyx that can be polished out.

A fantastic item to own if you love religious relics.