Western Europe, France, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful gilt brass and glass reliquary still containing the relics of 7 saints. Displaying the form of a quatrefoil, the lovely piece features gilt brass wire sewn onto beige fabric to form a central cross surrounded by 4 quatrefoils, all elegantly embellished with green, red, and white glass. Several acronyms and abbreviations for saints' names are inscribed in Latin on decorative pieces of paper throughout the piece with Saint Anne at the center, surrounded by Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Remigius, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Louis King of France. These names are then encircled by 4 additional names of saints, all of whom are known as martyrs: Saint Justina of Padua, Saint Margaret the Virgin, Saint Victor of Marseilles, and Saint Leo. Petite relics of each saint are sewn next to their name, except for the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Victor of Marseilles. Size: 5.1" W x 5.1" H (13 cm x 13 cm)

The periphery of the interior is adorned with an intricate gilt brass border featuring inlays resembling pearls, while the gilt brass frame of the reliquary features an elegant openwork design of dozens of pieces of clear glass cut to look like gemstones.

Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or the Holy Grail - held tremendous power in early Christianity. Reliquaries, objects designed to hold relics, were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase small reliquaries containing fewer precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; ones that survived, like this one, have often been passed down through generations of families.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169802

Missing 2 relics. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.