Beautiful 1800s French religious icon we purchased in Milan Italy. While this piece was sourced in Italy, it is actually from France. This is a wonderful piece with a lot of detail, which can clearly be seen in our pictures. A magnificent antique French religious sculpture in bas-relief. This depicts depicts Saint Joseph and the infant Jesus. This piece has convex glass on the front, and the back is covered in paper. The wood frame is in great condition. The original hook on the back has been replaced, but it can be replaced again. The icon still hangs as it is. It measures 3.75" x 3.25" x .60". This piece is in great condition with original glass.
There has been some discussion between the dealer and myself regarding the material used to make this piece. I feel that it is "meerschaum," a soft white, clay-like material consisting of hydrated magnesium and silicate. However, the Italian dealer calls it "kaolin," a hydrated aluminum silicate crystalline mineral formed over many millions of years by the hydrothermal decomposition of granite rocks. I have a feeling we are talking about the same thing, but I thought it best to share as many details as possible.
Please email me with questions.
Any glare in our pictures is from our chandelier.
