Lucien Bouclier: Christian Seal, Allegory Of Hope In Silver-gilt And Carnelian. Late 19th Century

A superb silver-gilt seal depicting Christian Hope.

It consists of a delicately molded cylindrical carnelian base. A blank silver-gilt plaque forms the matrix. The upper part of the carnelian is decorated with a delicate openwork arabesque frieze.

The stone is superb, a beautiful, deep orange-red, very homogeneous, with some veins visible when held up to the light.

The seal handle is formed by a three-dimensional figure, also in silver-gilt, of the allegory of Christian Hope as a woman holding a marine anchor, her face delicately turned towards heaven and wearing a cross pendant.

This figure of Hope is very finely crafted, with numerous details and imbued with great gentleness.

Hope is one of the three theological virtues, along with Faith and Charity, which together form the seven Catholic virtues with the four cardinal virtues: fortitude, prudence, temperance, and justice.

The seal is in its original case, which is unfortunately not in very good condition.

The seal is hallmarked:

Silversmith's mark: LB with a maker's mark (?), probably for Lucien Bouclier, active from 1886 to 1889.

Boar's head hallmark for sterling silver since 1838.

6.7 cm high

36.10 grams gross

Very good condition. Case damaged.

Collection in person in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.

France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the world: €35