RELIQUARY CRUCIFIX WITH NUMEROUS RELICS

Rare and spectacular reliquary crucifix containing an exceptional collection of relics from saints, apostles, evangelists, martyrs, and great figures of the Christian Church.

The gilded bronze Christ, finely modeled and highly expressive, is mounted on a silvered metal cross delicately engraved with floral motifs. The crucifix opens to reveal a richly decorated interior composed of purple and gold paperoles framing dozens of relics identified by handwritten inscriptions.

The ensemble presents a particularly dense and harmonious composition, organized around:

• the Apostles,
• the Evangelists,
• the Holy Innocents,
• the great martyrs of the Church,
• Doctors of the Church and founders of religious orders,
• as well as numerous venerated female saints.

The presence of relics associated with the Crib of Christ and the Holy House gives this work an exceptional spiritual and symbolic dimension.

The refinement of the mounting, the quality of the Latin inscriptions, and the richness of the iconography testify to an important religious work from the early 19th century, continuing the great European conventual traditions.

Relics present in the crucifix:

“Praese.”
→ Praesepe
Translation: The Crib of Christ

“Domus”
→ Domus
Translation: The Holy House

“Joseph”
→ Sancti Josephi
Translation: Saint Joseph

“Joan. B.”
→ Sancti Joannis Baptistae
Translation: Saint John the Baptist

“Zachar.”
→ Sancti Zachariae
Translation: Saint Zechariah

“Elisab.”
→ Sanctae Elisabeth
Translation: Saint Elizabeth

“X. Praese. D”
→ Ex Praesepe Domini
Translation: From the Crib of the Lord

“Domus”
→ Domus Domini
Translation: From the House of the Lord

Condition:
Very good overall state of preservation.
Wear, oxidation, and minor losses consistent with age. Interior remarkably well preserved with legible antique inscriptions and intact composition.

Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 28 cm x 16 cm
SIZE: 11" x 6.3"