DATE: Victorian, c.1900

Gorgeous antique openwork brooch with iconography denoting the Alliance of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as well as the words EX ANIMO - meaning "sincerely" or literally "from the heart". Left is the Sacred Heart of Jesus with crown of thorns and winged cross above, and Mary's on the right, pierced with a sword and flames rising out the top. It's beautifully crafted in silver with abstract scroll work and intricate detailing, particularly the sword, the crown of thorns, and the flames - likely French origin.

The Alliance of the Hearts refers to the theological and spiritual links in the Catholic devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. First formalised in the 1600s by Jean Eudes, who wrote the Mass on Office proper to the feasts, composed various prayers and rosaries, and wrote the first book on the subject. Devotions to the two hearts, both individually and jointly, were especially popular in northern and central France, with the double heart motif - very similar to this example - featuring on Catherine Labouré's Miraculous Medal.

MEASUREMENTS 

2.8 x 2.8cm

WEIGHT 

3.0g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as silver

CONDITION 

Excellent, with fine antique patina