3-028-791 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Holy-water font at the entrance to St. Peter's, Rome, 1870. 'On entering the nave of St. Peter's, the first things which strike the visitor's attention are the two fonts of holy water. The cherubs, of white marble, by which these fonts are guarded, are each about the size of a full-grown man; but the great size of the surrounding architecture makes them seem small. They are beautiful works of sculpture. The drapery around them is partly of white and partly of black marble. The gigantic shell which holds the water is of a rich deep yellow or orange marble. The cherubs, while holding this shell, seem to be presenting it with an action as if of desire that all would come and partake of the water. Each font is placed between two great pilasters, and the drapery of the figures is spread out over the mouldings of the bases of the pilasters. Many interesting groups of people are seen at these fonts, dipping their hands into the water and crossing themselves, as they enter the church, with their faces to the high altar. Some may be seen on their knees, at prayer. Children are often held up to dip their hands into the water; but sometimes their mothers give them a little of it in their hands, with which to perform the ceremony of crossing themselves'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.