Framed Carved Ivory Christ – Souvenir Plaque Of Father Hamel (1893-1918) - Lis25ivo001

Framed Carved Ivory Christ – Souvenir of Father Hamel (1893-1918) – Commemorative Plaque LIS25IVO001. A very fine carved ivory Christ, presented on a gilded wooden cross and mounted in an elegant frame with molded and gilded decoration, with a red velvet background. A beautiful object for domestic devotion or as a collector's item, both a religious sculpture and a personalized historical memento, preserving the memory of a grateful priest and family at the turn of the 20th century. The finely crafted sculpture of Christ is carved from ivory that has retained its pristine white color, giving it a striking visual presence. The work on the body, the drapery of the loincloth, and the crown of thorns demonstrates the high quality of the carving. The whole is mounted in a neoclassical style frame with a red velvet background. Please note that the velvet shows some wear and marks of age, and that the piece has some light soiling that can be cleaned by the buyer. The Christ figure itself is in rather good condition, with a few minor imperfections (small chips or signs of wear). We encourage buyers to carefully examine all the photographs, which are an integral part of the description. Commemorative Plaque: The particular interest of this item lies in the engraved plaque placed at the foot of the cross. It bears the following inscription: “1893 – 1918 The Jean Ramaekers-Cruls family to Father Hamel, parish priest. A token of respectful and grateful sympathy → Ad multos annos ←” This inscription indicates that it was a gift from the Jean Ramaekers-Cruls family to Father Hamel, the parish priest, probably on the occasion of a priestly anniversary or commemoration. The Latin phrase “Ad multos annos” literally means “for many years”: a traditional formula in the Catholic Church to wish a clergyman a long life and a long term in office. The dates 1893-1918 could correspond to a significant period in this priest's life (ordination, ministry, or a commemorative period related to the end of the First World War). The names Ramaekers and Cruls are surnames found particularly in Belgium and northern France, suggesting a regional origin for this votive or commemorative object. The ivory is therefore easily datable to 1918, with all the necessary authorizations for sale and possession. Please examine the photographs carefully; they complement the description. Dimensions: Frame: 39 × 26 cm; Christ alone: 15 × 12.5 cm