RELIQUARY OF SAINT AGNES

Rare 18th century silver reliquary with glass front containing a relic of Saint Agnes.

This circular reliquary features a mount in antique silver, the border surrounded by a collar of pleated metallic cannetille work forming a radiant frame typical of 18th century Baroque conventual mountings.

The glazed front protects an interior composition with symmetrical gilt scrolling decoration. The background is made of red textile, a liturgical color associated with sacrificial charity and spiritual royalty. Two blue-tinted side panels frame the central oval, creating a rich chromatic contrast characteristic of 18th century mountings.

At the center, the relic appears in the form of a fragment, fixed within an oval medallion bordered by radiating silvered metallic threads.

It is identified by a handwritten label:

“S. Agnet V:M”
→ Sanctae Agnetis Virginis et Martyris

Translation: Of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr.

This is a relic of Saint Agnes of Rome, a young Christian martyr of the early centuries, especially venerated throughout Western Christendom. A symbol of purity and fidelity to the faith, she ranks among the most important female saints of the ancient Roman cult.

Good antique used condition with original glass.
Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 3 cm × 2.5 cm
SIZE : 1.2" × 1"

Saint Agnes of Rome is one of the most famous virgins and martyrs of the early centuries of Christianity. She is believed to have suffered martyrdom in Rome at the beginning of the 4th century during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Very young at the time of her death, she quickly became a symbol of purity, courage, and fidelity to Christ.
Her name appears among the oldest female saints of the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Her cult spread very early throughout Christian Europe, particularly through religious orders and female confraternities. She is traditionally represented with a lamb, symbol of her innocence and an etymological reference to her Latin name Agnes.
The Basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura in Rome has preserved since Antiquity one of the principal sanctuaries dedicated to the saint.