BAROQUE RELIQUARY RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS

This silver reliquary, an object of devotion, houses a fragment of the True Cross . Its oval shape, framed by scrolls and chiseled motifs, reflects the refinement of the late Baroque style. Silver, a noble metal associated with purity and spirituality, reinforces its sacred character.

Two finely carved shells decorate the sides of the reliquary, symbols of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, evoking the spiritual journey and the quest for faith. Their presence in an ornate decoration corresponds to the taste of the 18th century, when religious symbolism was often expressed with luxury. They recall the great pilgrimage routes to holy places such as Santiago de Compostela and Jerusalem, placing the object in a tradition of devotion.

At the top, an openwork crown topped with a crown of thorns draws attention. It symbolizes Christ's suffering and sacrifice for redemption. This motif, central to 18th-century religious art, establishes a connection between heavenly royalty and earthly pain, emphasizing the Christian paradox of redemption through suffering.

In the center, the relic, protected under glass, rests on a background of red fabric, this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice. A small golden cross accentuates its sacred dimension, and the inscription "True Cross" in French, instead of Latin, suggests a private destination for a faithful or a noble family.

The late Baroque form and ornamentation are typical of the 18th century, an era marked by rich but lighter religious art, with sculpted scrolls and motifs that show a refinement without the exuberance of the previous century.

The red wax seal affixed by the Church and bearing the coat of arms of a Catholic bishop guarantees not only the authenticity of the relic, but also that the reliquary has not been opened and that the relic has not been handled since it was closed. It thus ensures its intact preservation, offering complete certainty as to its provenance and integrity.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 7 cm X 5 cm
SIZE : 2.8" X 2"