Antique 19th C Silver Religious Medal Holy Family Christ Virgin Mary St Joseph

Description

View Antique 19th C Silver Religious Medal Holy Family Christ Virgin Mary St Joseph with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY — EXCEPTIONAL TWO-SIDED RELIEF. 1890–1900, featuring two extraordinarily detailed religious compositions executed indeep, highly sculptural relief. The quality and complexity of the relief are the defining features of this exceptional piece. ANTIQUE LATE 19TH CENTURY SILVER RELIGIOUS MEDALLION CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY — EXCEPTIONAL TWO-SIDED RELIEF A truly impressive late 19th-century silver devotional medallion , attributed to approximately c. 1890–1900 , featuring two extraordinarily detailed religious compositions executed in deep, highly sculptural relief . The medallion is substantial for its type, weighing 2 0.77 grams , and measures approximately 4 cm in diameter and 5 cm in total height including the suspension loop . The quality and complexity of the relief are the defining features of this exceptional piece. Rather than a simple flat religious medal, both sides have been modelled with remarkable depth, with strongly raised figures, layered clouds, finely rendered drapery, radiating beams of light, architectural details and numerous secondary figures. The result is a piece that has the visual character of a small devotional sculpture cast in silver . FRONT — THE VIRGIN AND CHILD SURROUNDED BY ANGELS The principal face presents a highly elaborate celestial devotional scene centred on the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus . Mary occupies the upper central portion of the medallion, elevated upon a mass of clouds and accompanied by the Child in her arms . Behind her head is a magnificent radiating halo composed of numerous extremely fine rays , extending across a large portion of the background. The Virgin and Child are surrounded by a multitude of angelic figures emerging among the clouds , producing an exceptionally rich and animated heavenly composition. Several angels are visible throughout the scene, particularly in the lower half of the medallion. Their wings, robes, gestures and faces have all been individually modelled. The sculptor has taken considerable care to differentiate the various figures rather than reducing them to generic decorative motifs. ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT — EARTHLY AND CELESTIAL WORLDS Immediately beneath the Virgin and Child is a particularly interesting architectural structure , rendered with what appears to be a masonry wall and pitched or tiled roof. Individual blocks of the stonework are visible, giving the building a surprisingly realistic architectural character for such a small object. This architectural element creates a striking contrast between the earthly structure below and the celestial world above, filled with clouds, angels and radiant light. The scene therefore has considerable narrative depth rather than functioning merely as a conventional frontal religious portrait. THE THREE PRINCIPAL ANGELS The lower portion of this face is dominated by three large angelic figures . A central angel occupies the middle of the composition, while two larger angels appear to either side with their wings extended and their bodies turned inward toward the centre. Their long flowing garments are rendered with numerous deeply cut folds, while their wings are individually articulated. The arrangement of these figures creates an almost theatrical sense of movement, with the angels appearing to participate directly in the heavenly manifestation above. The clouds surrounding them are also sculpted in multiple levels rather than represented by simple engraved lines. INSCRIPTION — CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY FAMILY Following the entire lower curve of the medallion is the clearly legible inscription: “CONGREGACION DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA” This inscription is an integral part of the design and is one of the most important identifying features of the piece. It directly associates the object with the Congregation of the Holy Family , giving the medallion an additional historical and devotional significance beyond its artistic qualities alone. REVERSE — CHRIST GLORIFIED BEFORE THE CROSS The reverse presents an equally elaborate and powerful religious composition. At the centre stands Christ glorified , elevated above the clouds and positioned directly before a large Latin cross . Christ dominates the entire composition. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing or divine authority, while the other arm rests alongside his body. Behind him, the monumental cross extends broadly from side to side, becoming the principal structural element of the design. CHRIST, THE ORB AND THE CLOUDS Directly beneath the feet of Christ is a prominent orb or globe-like sphere , resting above a large accumulation of clouds. This element gives the central figure an unmistakably exalted position and reinforces the visual impression of Christ reigning above the earthly world . Multiple layers of clouds rise from the lower portion of the medallion toward Christ, creating an extraordinary sense of vertical movement. The relief in this area is particularly impressive, with the clouds individually modelled and separated by deep recesses. VIRGIN MARY AND SAINT JOSEPH To the left of Christ appears the Virgin Mary , shown in a reverent attitude with her head inclined and her hands joined in prayer. Her mantle and robes are richly sculpted, with numerous flowing folds extending down toward the clouds. Opposite her, on the right side, stands Saint Joseph , turned toward Christ in an attitude of devotion. The three principal figures therefore establish an extremely clear visual hierarchy: CHRIST AT THE CENTRE — THE VIRGIN MARY ON ONE SIDE — SAINT JOSEPH ON THE OTHER This arrangement gives the reverse a solemn and highly devotional character, while also connecting the imagery strongly with the religious theme expressed by the inscription on the opposite side. THE GREAT RADIATING HALO One of the most spectacular details on the reverse is the elaborate system of radiating beams surrounding Christ . Fine linear rays spread out behind the central figure and continue around the surrounding composition. The rays contrast beautifully with the darker, textured background and create a powerful visual effect when the silver catches the light. Combined with the cross, clouds and elevated position of Christ, they produce a distinctly triumphal and celestial appearance . EXCEPTIONAL SCULPTURAL RELIEF The extraordinary depth of the relief is perhaps the most remarkable physical characteristic of this medallion. The figures project strongly from the surrounding field, with raised faces, hands, wings and garments. The drapery is especially impressive. Numerous individual folds have been sculpted into the metal, producing considerable depth and shadow. The clouds are treated in several distinct layers, allowing the composition to remain visually legible despite the enormous quantity of detail. The background is also textured, contrasting with the smoother and more highly polished raised elements. This creates a natural light-and-shadow effect , particularly effective on the faces, robes, wings and surrounding rays. ANTIQUE PATINA & SURFACE The silver displays an attractive aged dark patina , especially within the recessed areas. This darker toning is particularly beneficial to the overall appearance of the medallion because it dramatically emphasizes the high-relief modelling. The brightest raised portions catch the light, while the deeper recesses remain dark, making the figures appear even more three-dimensional. Under directional lighting, the object almost resembles a miniature religious bas-relief sculpture . MATERIAL & DIMENSIONS Material: Silver Weight:  2 0.77 grams Diameter: approximately 4.0 cm Total height including suspension loop: approximately 5.0 cm The medallion retains its suspension loop , allowing it to be worn as a devotional pendant, displayed or kept as part of a religious collection. DATE — LATE 19TH CENTURY The piece is attributed to the late 19th century, approximately c. 1890–1900 . The dating is based on the overall character of the object, its highly sculptural religious design, construction, treatment of the figures and the artistic language of the relief. It should be understood as an approximate attribution rather than a documented date , as no dated inscription or maker's mark is visible in the supplied photographs. CONDITION The medallion presents an attractive aged appearance with dark patination in the recessed details and retains the remarkable definition of its relief. As expected from an antique devotional object, there are visible signs of age and handling. The photographs show the actual item and should be carefully examined for the precise surface condition, patina, minor marks and signs of wear. AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTOR'S PIECE This is an unusually impressive example of an antique silver religious medallion , distinguished by its substantial weight, unusually large format, exceptionally deep relief and extraordinarily complex two-sided iconography. One side presents the Virgin and Child surrounded by angels, clouds and architectural elements , together with the important inscription “CONGREGACION DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA.” The opposite side depicts Christ glorified before the Cross, elevated above the clouds and accompanied by the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph , surrounded by dramatic rays of divine light. The combination of religious symbolism, sculptural quality, silver construction, substantial weight and remarkable relief makes this a particularly desirable piece for collectors of antique Catholic devotional art. A truly striking late 19th-century silver religious medallion , rich in symbolism, exceptionally detailed and full of visual character. A superb antique devotional object with genuine sculptural presence and outstanding decorative appeal. PLEASE CHECK BEFORE BIDDING Shipping – eBay Global Shipping Program This item is shipped using the  eBay Global Shipping Program , ensuring a safe and reliable international transaction. Key advantages: Secure international delivery managed by eBay Full tracking from dispatch to delivery Simplified customs handling Once the item reaches eBay’s international hub, they take full responsibility for the delivery process. Customs & Import Duties For international buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and customs charges are  not included  in the item price These fees are determined by your country’s regulations Any additional charges are the  buyer’s responsibility We recommend checking your local import policies before purchasing. Returns Policy Due to the nature of this item,  returns are not accepted . An exception will only apply if the item received is  significantly different from the description . For clarity, this includes situations such as: Receiving a  different brand or model  than described Receiving an item that is  not the advertised watch Major discrepancies in  material (e.g. not solid gold as stated) Minor variations, normal signs of age, or details clearly visible in the photographs do  not  qualify as a reason for return. All items are carefully checked and accurately described to ensure transparency and buyer confidence. Please review all images and details before purchasing. Additional Information All  measurements, weight, and detailed visual condition  are clearly shown in the photographs provided. Please review the images carefully, as they form an essential part of the description. Condition: Pre-owned - Good. Category: Jewelry & Watches › Vintage & Antique Jewelry › Necklaces & Pendants. Brand: Antique.

Antique

Yes

Pendant Shape

pendant

Occasion

Anniversary, Birthday, Christening, Christmas, Confirmation/Communion, Engagement, Father's Day, Graduation, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day

Year Manufactured

Pre-1920

Main Stone Color

No Stone

Metal

Silver

Secondary Stone

No Stone

Jewelry Department

Fine

Vintage

Yes

Main Stone

No Stone

Department

Unisex Adults

Unit Type

Unit

Pendant/Locket Type

Medal

Style

Pendant

Base Metal

Silver

Handmade

Yes

Chain Type

Ball/Bead

Seller Warranty

No

Signed

No

Color

Silver

Sizable

No

Materials sourced from

Spain

Modified Item

No

Brand

Antique

Jewelry Type

Necklace, Pendant

Type

Pendant

Customized

No

Era

Art Nouveau (1895-1910)

Theme

Virgen Mary, Religious, Art, Angels

Original/Reproduction

Original

Country of Origin

Spain

Wholesale

No