Antique Saint Anthony of Padua Devotional Medal | Franciscan Saint with Lily | Catholic Relief
A beautiful antique Catholic devotional medal depicting Saint Anthony of Padua in a finely detailed raised relief.
Saint Anthony is represented in his traditional Franciscan habit, holding the Infant Jesus and a lily, two of the most recognizable attributes associated with the saint. The lily traditionally symbolizes purity, while the Christ Child recalls the celebrated vision associated with Saint Anthony.
The figure is surrounded by an elaborate ornamental composition of scrolling forms and cloud-like decoration. Traces of warm gilt finish remain across the raised details, contrasting beautifully with the aged silver-tone surface.
The reverse is particularly interesting: remnants of an original textile element remain attached to the back of the piece, adding an unusual tactile and historical detail.
With its substantial size and richly modelled relief, this is an especially attractive devotional object for collectors of Saint Anthony of Padua, Franciscan history, Catholic medals and antique religious art.
Details
- Subject: Saint Anthony of Padua
- Attributes: Infant Jesus and lily
- Type: Catholic devotional medal / religious plaque
- Material: Silver-tone metal with traces of gilt finish
- Technique: Raised / cast relief
- Approx. height: 5.5 cm
- Approx. width: 4.5 cm
- Period: Antique / vintage; exact date unknown
- Condition: Aged condition with natural patina, surface wear and areas of loss to the original finish
- Reverse: Original textile remnants preserved
Important Note
The identification as Saint Anthony of Padua is based on the traditional iconography of the Franciscan habit, Infant Jesus and lily.