Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A heavy cast bronze devotional medal featuring a high-relief depiction of Saint Mary Magdalene kneeling in prayer. She is shown with her traditional iconographic attributes: a crucifix, a skull (memento mori), and her long flowing hair, symbolizing her life of penance and contemplation.
Story
French pilgrims in the 1800s traveled to the cave of Sainte-Baume, where legend says Mary Magdalene lived as a hermit for thirty years. This medal served as a tactile connection to her story of radical transformation. The skull at her feet isn't macabre; it's a 'memento mori,' a reminder to live every moment with purpose.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this medal follows the tradition of French 'Sainte Baume' pilgrimage tokens. These were often produced by local foundries in the Provence region or major religious medalists in Lyon and Paris to meet the high demand from travelers visiting the saint's purported relics.
Condition & Value
The medal shows a rich, authentic aged patina with significant surface oxidation consistent with being buried or long-exposed to the elements. There is some softening of the finer details on the face and hands due to wear, which is expected for a piece of this age.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.