Silver Holy Water Font , Cahier Jean Charles 1819

Silver holy water font from the early 19th century
Medici-shaped, and is engraved in its center with large acanthus leaves and reed sprays. The upper border is chiseled with palmettes and shells. The foot is also chiseled with medallions, palmettes and an amati background.
The silver handle has a background.
Height 28cm
Diameter 21cm
Weight 2195grs
Hallmarks of Paris 1819-1838 (Vieilleillard 1st title) By the goldsmith CAHIER Jean Charles, inscription 1801, Goldsmith to the King, Successor of Martin Guillaume BIENNAIS Goldsmithto King Louis XVIII then to Charles X, Cahier notably supplied the religious goldsmith for the latter's coronation.
Awarded a gold medal at the industrial products exhibitions of 1819, 1823, and 1827, he was one of the most renowned goldsmiths of the 19th century.
He was appointed Goldsmith to the King in 1816 and succeeded Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) when the latter retired from business in 1821. Known for his famous works, such as the reliquary of the Holy Crown of Thorns in the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and the reliquary of the Holy Ampulla in Reims, he enjoyed great renown under the Empire, then under Louis XVIII and Charles X.
He received numerous commissions for religious goldwork in the provinces.
This type of holy water font is always made of silver-plated metal or bronze; it is very rare to find one made of silver.
The Malmaison Castles Museum has a silver-gilt example with very similar decoration. star_border