RELIQUARY, RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS AND BOOK OF REVELATION

Magnificent bronze reliquary with a glass front, containing a relic of the True Cross. The relic is set on a red silk background and decorated with golden rays of light, it is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: S. Crucis

Under the relic a magnificent representation of the book of the apocalypse:

The Mystic Lamb, the iconic representation of Christ in sacred art, symbolizes his ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. Here, the lamb rests not only on the cross, but also on the Holy Lance , the Holy Sponge, and the Book of Revelation. Each element has a profound meaning linked to the Passion and Redemption. The Holy Lance, which pierced Christ's side on the cross, and the Holy Sponge, soaked in vinegar and held to his lips, are symbols of his physical suffering and death. As for the Book of Revelation, it contains the mystery of the times to come, sealed by seven seals.

These seven seals are crucial in the Christian interpretation of the end times, according to the Apocalypse of Saint John. They symbolize, through medallions of Christ, the closing of the book of the divine Word. By his death on the cross, Jesus opened these seals, triggering prophetic events leading to the redemption of humanity and the final judgment.

• The first seal reveals the First Horseman on a white horse, a symbol of conquest. Crowned and armed with a bow, he represents military power, while white can mask dark intentions.
• The second seal shows the Second Horseman on a red horse, representing war. This seal foretells conflict, with red symbolizing violence and passion.
• The third seal reveals the Third Horseman on a black horse, a symbol of famine. With a scale, it indicates scarcity and suffering, both physical and spiritual.
• The fourth seal reveals the Fourth Horseman on a greenish horse, representing death. This horseman embodies the consequences of the previous ones, emphasizing mortality and the inevitability of death.
• The fifth seal shows the souls of the martyrs, asking for justice for their suffering. This is a reminder that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
• The sixth seal announces cataclysms: earthquakes, black sun, red moon and falling stars, symbolizing imminent judgment.
• The seventh seal is marked by a Great Silence of thirty minutes, announcing major events. Seven angels receive trumpets, and one angel casts fire on the earth, symbolizing divine wrath.

This sacred art motif, deeply rooted in Christian theology, is frequently depicted in churches, particularly on paramentics, the liturgical vestments used during religious ceremonies. The theme of the Apocalypse, as described by St. John, inspires an imagery rich in symbolism, which translates the hope of salvation and the triumph of Christ over evil.

The surrounding decorations, made of gold sequins and gold threads, add a touch of mystical elegance, evoking rose stems and vegetal scrolls. These floral motifs, typical of sacred art, symbolize life and rebirth, recalling that the death of Christ is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new era of eternal life for believers.

Good used condition with its original glass.

Not opened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 5 cm X 4 cm
SIZE : 2" X 1.6"

The Book of the Seven Seals, from the Apocalypse of John, is an iconic text in Christian apocalyptic literature. It consists of seven seals, each revealing cataclysmic events and divine judgments that herald the end of time. Each seal releases a symbolic horseman, representing themes such as conquest, war, famine, and death. These visions are intended to encourage believers in the face of persecution, promising them God's final victory over evil. This book, rich in symbolism, continues to inspire varied interpretations and to influence Christian thought and popular culture.