Neo-gothic Paten In Solid Silver, Enamel & Stones, Violet Le Duc Period, 19th Century

Magnificent neo-Gothic solid silver paten. The paten is made of solid silver. The face is superbly decorated. Around the edge, a large Crown of Thorns is engraved in reserve, on a vermiculated background, with great realism. The center is set with enamel, most likely on copper, representing the veil of Saint Veronica with the Holy Face on a purple background. It is highlighted by an applied quatrefoil of the IHS trigram and a Cross on a vermiculated background. Three stones and a pearl set highlight the center of the paten: an emerald, a ruby, an amethyst and a half freshwater pearl. The Holy Face painted on enamel is superb, very finely made. The back of the paten is engraved with a Glorious Cross. The paten is hallmarked with a boar's head, for solid silver from 1838. Magnificent paten, richly decorated using several techniques - engraving, enamel, setting - which make it a muzzle piece, of first quality. The engraved Crown of Thorns is absolutely remarkable and brings a great present to this paten. 15.4 cm in diameter 178.8 grams Superb condition. Small scratches from use