Antique Religious Ex Voto Cherub Heart with Rhinestones from Italy

Antiques : Religious Ex Voto

 

We are offering for your consideration is Lovely Antique Religious Ex Voto Heart from Italy. This Rare heart is very unusual because of the colored rhinestones and beads, most of these hearts are just plain. Notice the lovely cherubs at the bottom and in the corners.There is a three-dimensional gold Crown at the top and just below in the center of the heart has a large gold “PGR” insignia that stands for “Per Grazie Ricevute” – giving thanks for Favors Received. Also at the top it has a ornate loop for hanging. Exvoto is word meaning votive offering.

My english dictionary says that the word comes from the Latin, meaning "out of a promise or vow" and that these votive offerings are given or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow or pledge, or expressing a wish, desire, or vow. A ex voto is most commonly a personal thank you note to God, often taking the form of folk art. In some cases, the ex voto is signed and dated, and explains why the giver is giving thanks - what God did for him or her. In many cases, they tell a very touching personal story. The personal story is what makes them so fascinating. The exvoto is most often left at a church altar. They are very public, yet very personal, professions of faith in God and thanks for favors received.

Item ID: m00267