RELIQUARY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY AND 12 SAINTS

Rare bronze reliquary with a glass front containing relics of the Virgin Mary and 12 saints. The relics are arranged on a red silk background, with a radiant gold-thread decoration at the center, evoking a spiritual sun. From this central motif radiate several circular cavities, each containing a fragment of relic. This sunburst, concentric arrangement enhances the sacred nature of the objects.

Each small compartment is accompanied by a handwritten Latin label, carefully calligraphed and decorated with a blue border: the names of the saints are inscribed.

• B.M.V. – Beata Maria Virgo (Blessed Virgin Mary)

• S. Petri Ap. – Saint Peter, apostle.

• S. Emerentis – Saint Emerentiana.

• S. Francisci As. – Saint Francis of Assisi.

• S. Gregorii – Saint Gregory (probably Pope Gregory I).

• S. Andreae – Saint Andrew, apostle.

• S. Catharinae V. – Saint Catherine of Alexandria

• S. Ricardi – Saint Richard

• S. Salvari Conf. – Saint Salvatore, confessor

• S. Antoni Pat. – Saint Anthony of Padua

• S. Petronii ep. – Saint Petronius,

• S. Joseph sp. – Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary.
  

This reliquary brings together a carefully chosen group of saints to accompany the faithful in all aspects of spiritual life. At the center are major figures of the Church: the Virgin Mary, Saint Peter, and Saint Andrew, with Saint Joseph forming the Holy Family. It also includes great reformers and intercessors: Gregory the Great, Francis of Assisi, and Anthony of Padua—models of liturgy, poverty, and charity. The martyrs Emerentiana and Catherine of Alexandria represent faithfulness and wisdom in the face of trials. Finally, the confessors Richard, Petronius, and Salvatore bear witness to a life of uprightness and pastoral service.

Good condition, with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

Multi-reliquaries combining the Virgin Mary with such an extensive group of saints drawn from different periods, states of life, and spiritual traditions are particularly rare. The great antiquity of their cults, the very early dispersion of their relics from the first centuries of Christianity, and their preferential preservation in major ecclesiastical treasuries explain why these ensembles were produced in only very small numbers.

Their appearance on the market today is exceptional, especially when preserved in complete, sealed, and unopened condition, as is the case here.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 8.5 cm x 6.5 cm
SIZE: 3.4" x 2.6"