Sarcophagus-shaped Pastiglia Box With Religious Relief Decorations, Haute époque Style

A wooden sarcophagus-shaped casket entirely decorated with polychrome and gilded pastiglia, in the style of the High Middle Ages and medieval iconography.

The sloping lid features, in its center, a Virgin in Majesty surrounded by angels, rendered in polychrome relief within a pointed arch frame. The side panels and front are adorned with religious figures and figurative scenes in relief, enhanced with polychrome paint on a gilded background.

The corners are highlighted by small figures in relief, and the piece rests on four legs.

The interior is lined with black paint.

This type of object is part of the 19th-century Neo-Medieval style, which was highly popular during the Second Empire and inspired by the rediscovery of medieval art, particularly under the influence of Viollet-le-Duc.

The metal fittings visible today have been replaced, and the lock is missing.

A charming decorative object reminiscent of medieval caskets or reliquaries, characteristic of 19th-century historicist production.

Period:

Napoleon III, 19th century

Materials:

Wood, relief pastiglia, polychrome painting, and gilding

Condition:

Signs of normal wear and tear and a patina of age.

Replaced hardware; missing lock.

Dimensions:

Length: 28 cm

Width: 22 cm

Height: 20 cm

A visually appealing box:
The polychrome pastiglia on a gilded background and the Virgin in Majesty surrounded by angels appeal greatly to enthusiasts of 19th-century neo-medieval objects. This type of historicist Napoleon III decorative piece was highly prized with the return of the troubadour style and the interest sparked by the craze for monuments restored by Viollet-le-Duc.

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