Curiosity - Masterwork - Miniature Funeral Vault - Reliquary - Silver Metal

Late 19th Century Dated 1893 – France This rare and captivating work is an architectural miniature of a burial vault, made of silver-plated metal and decorated with marble details. Created for the C. MAINGOT family in 1893, this unique piece illustrates a technical feat and a timeless homage to late 19th century funerary art. Its intriguing design could also suggest that it is a preparatory work intended to design a larger funerary reliquary, further reinforcing its interest as an object of curiosity and collector's item. Characteristics: • Materials: • Finely worked silver-plated metal structure. • Carved marble ornaments, with a sloping roof and decorative pinnacle finials. • Architectural details: • An opening door decorated with an openwork cross and a keyhole, revealing a sober interior. • Engravings: the year “1893” on the upper pediment and the words “Famille C. MAINGOT” on the other side. • Possible interpretation: This object could have served as a model for the manufacture of larger-scale funerary reliquaries, commonly used to preserve and venerate the remains or memories of a deceased person in a sacred context. Historical context: Funerary reliquaries, particularly in the 19th century, were often used to display relics or commemorative objects belonging to a deceased person. These objects, at the crossroads of religious art and family memento, were characterized by a careful design and strong spiritual symbolism. This type of miniature, both functional and highly aesthetic, testifies to the preciousness granted to these funerary rites at the time. Condition: Good general condition. Note: a chip and a small loss on the marble, consistent with its age. Dimensions: • Height: 14 cm • Width: 5 cm Delivery: All deliveries are made exclusively by DHL Express to guarantee fast, secure and careful shipping.