Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A double-sided cast bronze religious medal featuring Saint Mary Magdalene in penitence and Saint Anne teaching the Virgin Mary. The heavy patina and hand-finished casting are characteristic of French devotional objects from the late Ancien Régime or early 19th century.
Story
Centuries ago, a pilgrim likely carried this bronze token to the 'Sainte-Baume' cave in France, where Mary Magdalene was said to have lived. It served as a tactile connection to the divine, worn smooth by decades of prayerful touch.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this medal originates from the French tradition of 'médailleurs' who crafted devotional items for pilgrimage sites. These artisans used the lost-wax or sand-casting method to create durable, portable icons for the faithful.
Condition & Value
The medal shows significant 'honest wear' and a deep, multi-layered patina consistent with age. There is some oxidation (verdigris) in the recessed areas, which is common for buried or long-handled bronze. This wear actually enhances the 'devotional' character of the piece. Condition is considered good for its 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.