Dieu Le Roi Sacred Heart Vendée Style Badge | Linocut Print | Catholic Gifts

This is a handmade, block printed reproduction of Sacred Heart badges worn by the Catholic counterrevolutionary army in the Vendée region during the French Revolution. 

"Dieu Le Roi" is a shortened version of the Catholic and Royal Army's battle cry "Por Dieu et le Roi" which would not fit in its entirety on their badges; it translates to "For God and the King" in reference to an unwavering devotion to their faith and their martyred "Good King" Louis XVI. The murder of Louis XVI was the last straw for the people of the Vendée and other rural French regions, and launched their soldiers into a full-swing fight for all they knew to be good and holy.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque began the devotion of the Sacred Heart badge more than 100 years before the French Revolution after she received private revelations in which Our Lord instructed her to create images of His Sacred Heart that people could keep in their homes and on their person. In the decades and centuries that followed, the depiction of the Sacred Heart on a badge or patch has been worn by Catholics as a form of spiritual armor during times of oppression. It is a symbol of Christian piety and loyalty, and of course one of great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Detailed information:
* 3 1/2" tall by 2 1/2" wide
* Made of high-quality natural Osnaburg/cotton linen with treated edges to prevent fray.
* Sacred Heart image and "Dieu Le Roi" inscription are printed onto the linen using a block that I designed and hand-carved, and red oil-based nontoxic fabric ink.
* Each piece cures for up to 5 days after printing to ensure its longevity before packaging.
* Please select whether you would like a safety pin included in your badge order(s). If you mark that you would like a pin, one will be included for each badge, free of charge.

Packaging & shipping details:
* Each badge will be individually packaged in a cellophane pouch with a business card, and will include a pin if requested.
* Each badge ORDER will include one card that explains the Vendée badge history and how to care for your badge(s). If you'd like more than one info card, please specify the number in a note or message.
* Gift wrapping is available; details are provided in this listing. Please send me a message if you'd like a specific change to or variation of my gift wrapping option. I will do my best to accommodate your requests and to create a lovely gift experience for your recipient.
* Your order will ship in a small black bubble mailer through USPS.
* Tracking and insurance are provided for every badge purchase from my shop.

Disclaimer:
Due to the handmade nature of this item, small imperfections and flaws may be present. No two badges are identical as they are hand-printed one at a time. Each piece has been carefully checked for quality, however unevenness in the opacity of color in the print is typical with this block printing technique. These badges are meant to have an antique, handmade appearance.

Care Instructions:
Please consider these badges wearable art. As such, I ask that you handle them with care. In the event your badge becomes stained or soiled, it may be hand-washed or spot cleaned using cold water and mild detergent, and then laid flat to dry. The ink is color-safe, so your badge should withstand gentle washing and wear without issue. Please do not use bleach or abrasive cleansers.

For questions, inquiries, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to send me a message! I will try my best to respond within one business day.