This beautiful antique holy water font is a devotional piece that combines finely carved natural stone with a silver-toned metal mount and an elegant crowned figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Acquired in Valencia, Spain, it reflects the enduring tradition of Catholic craftsmanship found throughout Spain, where holy water fonts have long served as symbols of blessing, remembrance of baptism, and daily prayer.
The cylindrical basin is hand-carved from a richly veined honey-colored stone, likely Spanish alabaster or calcite marble, prized for its warm translucence and natural variations. Mounted above is a silver-toned collar supporting a finely cast Marian figure standing upon a cloud base with the Infant Jesus in her arms. The front of the stone is adorned with an applied Cross of Saint James (Cruz de Santiago), one of Spain’s most recognizable Christian emblems, historically associated with the Camino de Santiago and the Order of Santiago.
The hollow basin was designed to hold holy water, allowing the faithful to bless themselves upon entering or leaving a prayer space. Its compact size makes it ideal for display on a home altar, devotional shelf, or as part of a collection of European Catholic antiquities.
Specifications
Title: Antique Spanish Holy Water Font with Crowned Madonna and Child
Origin: Acquired in Valencia, Spain
Materials: Hand-carved alabaster or calcite stone with silver-toned cast metal and applied metal Cross of Saint James
Height: 4 inches
Weight: 5.23 ounces
Condition: Good antique condition with a naturally aged patina to the metal components and expected wear consistent with devotional use. The carved stone retains its attractive natural veining, with minor age-related surface wear and small imperfections characteristic of antique carved stone.
Estimated Age
Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920–1950).
The combination of cast Marian imagery, silver-toned finish, and carved Spanish alabaster is consistent with devotional objects produced for pilgrims and the faithful during the first half of the 20th century.
Disclaimer: This description has been prepared using careful visual examination and historical research to provide the most accurate information possible. Age, origin, materials, and attribution are educated assessments and have not been authenticated or certified by a professional appraiser, museum, or recognized authentication authority.
This beautiful antique holy water font is a devotional piece that combines finely carved natural stone with a silver-toned metal mount and an elegant crowned figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Acquired in Valencia, Spain, it reflects the enduring tradition of Catholic craftsmanship found throughout Spain, where holy water fonts have long served as symbols of blessing, remembrance of baptism, and daily prayer.
The cylindrical basin is hand-carved from a richly veined honey-colored stone, likely Spanish alabaster or calcite marble, prized for its warm translucence and natural variations. Mounted above is a silver-toned collar supporting a finely cast Marian figure standing upon a cloud base with the Infant Jesus in her arms. The front of the stone is adorned with an applied Cross of Saint James (Cruz de Santiago), one of Spain’s most recognizable Christian emblems, historically associated with the Camino de Santiago and the Order of Santiago.
The hollow basin was designed to hold holy water, allowing the faithful to bless themselves upon entering or leaving a prayer space. Its compact size makes it ideal for display on a home altar, devotional shelf, or as part of a collection of European Catholic antiquities.
Specifications
Title: Antique Spanish Holy Water Font with Crowned Madonna and Child
Origin: Acquired in Valencia, Spain
Materials: Hand-carved alabaster or calcite stone with silver-toned cast metal and applied metal Cross of Saint James
Height: 4 inches
Weight: 5.23 ounces
Condition: Good antique condition with a naturally aged patina to the metal components and expected wear consistent with devotional use. The carved stone retains its attractive natural veining, with minor age-related surface wear and small imperfections characteristic of antique carved stone.
Estimated Age
Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920–1950).
The combination of cast Marian imagery, silver-toned finish, and carved Spanish alabaster is consistent with devotional objects produced for pilgrims and the faithful during the first half of the 20th century.
Disclaimer: This description has been prepared using careful visual examination and historical research to provide the most accurate information possible. Age, origin, materials, and attribution are educated assessments and have not been authenticated or certified by a professional appraiser, museum, or recognized authentication authority.
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