Antique 19th-century French reliquary or ex-voto, featuring a painted image of Saint John Francis Regis (often referred to in French as Saint François Regis). Saint Francois Regis was a 17th-century French Jesuit priest known for his missionary work. He is traditionally depicted as a bearded Jesuit priest wearing a dark cassock, with a halo signifying sainthood. He is almost always shown holding a crucifix, which represents his extensive missionary preaching and devotion to the Passion of Christ.
The miniature painting is set inside an elaborate antique textile frame featuring a braided or crocheted straw/fiber border, typical of 19th-century French regional folk art or convent-made devotional items. The portrait is set behind glass in an oval frame, which is placed within a textile frame with a loop for a hanger. I have exposed part of the original intact frame so you can see the brass edge. I do think the frame will come out. The cloth piece measures 4.25" in length, not including the hanging loop, and 3.5" in width. Truly a beautiful devotional piece.
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