Allegorical Religious Miniature Painting Counter-revolutionary 18th Century - Revolution. Royalist

An interesting counter-revolutionary allegorical miniature dating from the late 18th century.

The rich iconography refers to the revolutionary period and the attachment of a portion of the French to the Catholic Faith.

It depicts two young women before an altar covered with objects.
On the left, an allegory of piety, characterized by a flame on her head, representing the burning of the spirit for the love of God. She raises a chalice surmounted by the radiant Host.

On the right, an allegory of the Christian faith holding a Cross, her gaze turned toward the body of Christ.

The numerous objects all have specific symbolism and are linked to the Christian faith or the sacrament of the Eucharist: the anchor, a symbol of fidelity; the Paschal Lamb; the Papal Tiara as recognition of this sole authority; the Processional banner with a Virgin and Child; the Tablets of the Law. the censer, the sprinkler, the monstrance, the cruets and the candles; the reliquary; the stoles; the wheat and the grapes; etc.

In the exergue, a Heart pierced by an arrow and a sword, symbolizing the suffering endured by Christ and Mary, with a phylactery inscribed "persecutions suffered for justice are the reward of love." This phrase from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew was taken up by the refractory priests persecuted during the Revolution, who adopted this motto as their own amidst the persecutions they suffered, hunted by the revolutionaries.

This miniature, with its exceptional iconographic richness, is very finely crafted; the details allow each painted element to be identified.

A brass frame on a wooden core, probably later, highlights the miniature.

9.5 cm in diameter including the frame
6.6 cm visible for the miniature alone.

Very good condition.

Hand delivery in Paris or insured Colissimo delivery.

France: €15
Europe: €20
Worldwide: €35