{"product_id":"18th-century-french-provincial-tinned-altar-cross-antique-ecclesiastical-folk-art-c-1770-1810","title":"18th Century French Provincial Tinned Altar Cross - Antique Ecclesiastical Folk Art c.1770–1810","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"1332\" data-start=\"1245\" data-section-id=\"4pgu7m\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003ePart of \u003cstrong data-end=\"1332\" data-start=\"1256\"\u003eThe Maker's Hand - Traditional craftsmanship in wood, clay, iron and tin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1413\" data-start=\"1334\"\u003eSome antiques impress through extravagance. Others through quiet craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1498\" data-start=\"1415\"\u003eThis beautiful French provincial altar cross belongs firmly in the second category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1967\" data-start=\"1500\"\u003eHandcrafted in eastern France around \u003cstrong data-end=\"1550\" data-start=\"1537\"\u003e1770–1810\u003c\/strong\u003e, it was fashioned entirely from tinned sheet iron rather than cast bronze or brass. Every element reveals the hand of an accomplished provincial tinsmith: carefully rolled hollow sections, neatly soldered seams, individually cut rays of light and hand punched decorative borders. Despite standing an impressive \u003cstrong data-end=\"1884\" data-start=\"1862\"\u003e21½ inches (55 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e high, it remains remarkably lightweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2243\" data-start=\"1969\"\u003eRather than being destined for a grand cathedral, this cross was almost certainly created for a small rural church, chapel or convent. Its simple decoration and practical construction speak of craftsmanship, where skill mattered far more than expensive materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2592\" data-start=\"2245\"\u003eThe symbolism is beautifully understated. The trefoil ends to each arm represent the Holy Trinity, while the radiating hand cut rays behind the centre symbolise divine light and the Resurrection. Beneath sits a delicately formed \u003cstrong data-end=\"2493\" data-start=\"2474\"\u003eGlobus Cruciger, \u003c\/strong\u003ethe cross bearing globe, an ancient Christian symbol representing Christ's dominion over the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2855\" data-start=\"2594\"\u003eWhat we especially admire is the way this object celebrates the craftsman behind it. Unlike cast church furnishings produced in foundries, this cross could only have been made through patience and skill, each component individually shaped and assembled by hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3152\" data-start=\"2857\"\u003eIts deep, naturally aged patina has developed over more than two centuries, giving the piece a wonderfully quiet presence. Whether displayed as an object of faith, a piece of ecclesiastical history or admired as sculptural folk art, it possesses an authenticity that cannot be reproduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3454\" data-start=\"3154\"\u003eAt Dusty Gems, we are naturally drawn to objects that tell the stories of ordinary craftsmen rather than grand workshops. Fashioned from humble sheets of tin by the skilled hands of a provincial tinsmith, this altar cross is a wonderful reminder that beauty often emerges from the simplest materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003eGiving a beautiful future to pieces with a past.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003eHeight: \u003c\/strong\u003e21½ inches (55 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3563\" data-start=\"3541\"\u003eWidth:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e11 inches (28cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3508\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"3583\" data-start=\"3570\" data-section-id=\"1uef3h1\"\u003eCondition\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3831\" data-start=\"3585\"\u003eVery good antique condition with a rich, dark aged patina. Original handcrafted construction remains strong and stable. Age related wear is entirely consistent with over two centuries of devotional use and adds greatly to its authentic character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3831\" data-start=\"3585\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"3850\" data-start=\"3838\" data-section-id=\"2uu2d6\"\u003eDelivery\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3892\" data-start=\"3852\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3868\" data-start=\"3852\"\u003eUK Delivery: £11.00 Tracked \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3988\" data-start=\"3894\"\u003eWe also offer \u003cstrong data-end=\"3927\" data-start=\"3908\"\u003eClick \u0026amp; Collect\u003c\/strong\u003e from our shop at Dagfields Craft \u0026amp; Antique Centre, Cheshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4092\" data-start=\"3990\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4018\" data-start=\"3990\"\u003eInternational Customers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please contact us before purchasing for an individual shipping quotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"4127\" data-start=\"4099\" data-section-id=\"1fij27\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOur Sustainable Packaging\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4308\" data-start=\"4129\"\u003e Every order is carefully packed using \u003cstrong data-end=\"4238\" data-start=\"4186\"\u003e100% recycled and recyclable packaging materials\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to give both beautiful antiques and packaging a second life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4308\" data-start=\"4129\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-single__description rte\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"db74uw\" data-start=\"5951\" data-end=\"5980\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eABOUT DUSTY GEMS INTERIORS\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5982\" data-end=\"6180\"\u003eAt \u003cstrong data-start=\"5985\" data-end=\"6009\"\u003eDusty Gems Interiors\u003c\/strong\u003e, we specialise in authentic French country antiques and rustic European decorative pieces, carefully chosen for their craftsmanship, character and honest working history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6182\" data-end=\"6406\"\u003eOur carefully curated collection has supplied original antiques to \u003cstrong data-start=\"6249\" data-end=\"6279\"\u003eThe Great British Bake Off\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"6281\" data-end=\"6294\"\u003eOutlander\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"6296\" data-end=\"6328\"\u003eThe Great Pottery Throw Down\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"6330\" data-end=\"6371\"\u003eJohnny Vegas: Little Shop of Antiques\u003c\/strong\u003e, and West End theatre productions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6408\" data-end=\"6460\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6408\" data-end=\"6460\"\u003eGiving a beautiful future to pieces with a past.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6462\" data-end=\"6529\"\u003eVisit our 1,000 sq ft showroom in Cheshire, open seven days a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dusty Gems 1","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48056441241758,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0087\/3984\/8251\/files\/cr2_7894290e-05f9-4f72-ad50-ebd37f251397.jpg?v=1785246564","url":"https:\/\/dustygemsinteriors.co.uk\/products\/18th-century-french-provincial-tinned-altar-cross-antique-ecclesiastical-folk-art-c-1770-1810","provider":"Dusty Gems 1 ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}