Wax Diorama of a Church Interior 

Continental (probably French), 19th century. An outstanding wax diorama of a church interior, depicting a priest, an altar boy and three congregants worshiping in front of an altar, the figures embellished with hand-painted details and finely sewn costumes, the altar covered in linens and displaying eight silver mesh candlesticks with candles, six vases with flowers, three gilt-framed mass cards, a crucifix, an open Bible with ribbon bookmarks, and a gilt paper crown above a robed religious figure standing on a serpent. The altar steps have a green silk rug with yellow fringe leading to a marbleized paper floor laid out in a checkerboard pattern. The entire scene is supported by a footed wood base and presented under a clear glass case; case ht. 13.25, wd. 16.25, dp. 11 in.

Some paint loss to figures' hair. Some light scratches to glass case.