Attributed to Simon Fries (Salzburg, Austria, active 1686 - 1719)
"Saint Maximus"
Carved, gilded and polychromed wooden reliquary bust. Circa 1600. 57 x 48,5 x 26 cm.
There is a central locket containing the relics of 96 saints, among them are: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Saint Ignatius, Saint Theresa, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Catherine, Saint Francis of la Salle, Saint Peter, Saint Matthew, Saint Thomas, Saint Paul etc.
There is a wax seal on the back.
Simon Fries was a prolific sculptor in the circle of the Swiss Meinrad Guggenbichler (Einsielden, Switzerland, 1649 - Mondsee, Upper Austria, 1723). He worked in the court of Salzburg and decorated numerous churches in his city and the surrounding area.
Some of his most outstanding work includes the "Saint George" and the "God the Father", both at the high altar in the Church of the Franciscans in Salzburg.