RELIQUARY CROSS CONTAINING A RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS

Rare 18th-century silver reliquary cross containing a relic of the True Cross.

This elegant silver reliquary cross features a relief figure of the crucified Christ on the front and a concealed reliquary compartment within, accessible through a hinged screw mechanism characteristic of 18th-century devotional reliquary crosses.

Inside is a small silver reliquary cross containing a fragment of the True Cross, protected beneath glass.

The relic is identified by a handwritten inscription:

“De Ligno + D.N.”

→ De Ligno Domini Nostri

Translation: From the wood of Our Lord.

It therefore identifies the relic as a fragment of the True Cross of Christ.

Good state of preservation.
Opening mechanism in working order.
Small inner reliquary cross complete with its original old glass.
Wax seal and silk threads preserved.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 4.5 cm
SIZE: 1.8"

Reliquary crosses containing a fragment of the True Cross were among the most precious devotional objects of the 18th century. Intended to be worn on the person or kept in a private oratory, they combined the image of the crucified Christ with the physical presence of a fragment traditionally believed to come from the very instrument of the Crucifixion.

The inscription “De Ligno D.N.”, an abbreviation of De Ligno Domini Nostri, is a traditional formula used to identify a relic of the True Cross. The inner compartment, carefully protected beneath glass and sealed, emphasizes the sacred nature of the relic.

With its ingenious opening mechanism, silver setting, and preservation of its original components, this cross is a remarkable example of 18th-century Christian devotional silverwork and of the profound veneration surrounding the Passion of Christ.