A Glorious And Extremely Rare Antique French Sacred Heart Votive, 1850's

This is a grand and extremely rare antique French Sacred Heart ex voto that comes from a private collection of exceptional sacred art objects from Lourdes. It is made of bronze and brass and measures about 27 x 12.7 x 6 cm or approximately 10.6 x 5 x 2.3 inches and it is in lovely antique condition with a wonderful timeworn patina created by the passage of time. The top part [the flame] opens in order to use the heart as a flask or a vessel for the holy water. On the back of the flame is a ring that allows this votive to be displayed on a wall if desired. The front of the heart is adorned with a crown of thorns making this the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This remarkable ex voto that dates from the 1850’s is exactly as I discovered it recently in the South of France with minor signs of ageing which in my opinion only brings forth its true beauty and grandeur today. For the full condition please refer to the images!