Small Bronze Bell - Black Madonna Of Puy-en-velay - Religious, Crucifixion - Haute Epoque

Early 17th century France - Puy-en-Velay - Auvergne Sublime little brass bell, a magnificent work of saints, decorated with religious scenes: • Saint holding a monstrance (possibly Saint Vosy) • Stag (legend) • Black Madonna of Puy -en-Velay (old representation, the child slightly offset from the mother, three necklaces at the central cross) • Lion • Saint Joseph and the child Jesus • Coat of arms of Puy-en-Velay • Crucifixion • Lion of Saint Mark These Craftsmen of the time are known under the name of “sainctiers”, a word from the Latin signum, which means “signal”, which became “seing” with use, and the “seingtiers” were the makers of bells. They were itinerant and moved from town to town with all their specialized equipment and tools to cast custom bells for churches on site. Legend of the Deer: The legend of the deer is associated with the founding of the first church in Puy-en-Velay. According to tradition, in the 6th century, the bishop Saint Vosy (or Saint George according to some versions) sought to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on Mount Anis, a place then covered by a dense forest. As workers attempted to clear the forest to prepare the construction site, they faced many obstacles. One day, a magnificent deer suddenly appeared and guided the men through the forest to a clearing where a miraculous spring was springing up. The deer stopped at this precise location, thus indicating the site where the church was to be erected. The deer, in this legend, is often interpreted as a divine messenger, sent by the Virgin Mary herself to guide the builders. The spring that gushed from the earth was considered miraculous, offering healings to pilgrims and locals in the area. The construction of the church on this site was seen as an act of faith and devotion. Legend has it that as soon as the church was completed, it became a site of many miracles, reinforcing Puy-en-Velay's status as a sacred site. Please note: small gaps at the bottom of the bell. Dimensions: Height: 16 cm With bell: 19 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!