RELIQUARY, RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS

Rare small oval silver reliquary with a glass front containing a relic of the True Cross of Christ. The relic is arranged in the form of a small central cross mounted on a deep red textile background, within a particularly refined composition of hand-coiled silver metallic cannetille work.

The interior decoration displays a remarkable example of ancient convent craftsmanship: the reliquary cross stands at the center of an oval frame composed of fine metallic spirals forming a radiant glory around the sacred fragment. The contrast between the red background, the silver reflections of the cannetilles, and the geometric structure of the cross creates a presentation of great visual intensity.

The old handwritten label identifies the relic as that of the Holy Cross:

“S. SS. Crucis”
or probably
“Ex SS. Cruce”
Translation: From the Most Holy Cross

Very beautiful antique silver mount with original suspension ring.

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

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

According to tradition, the True Cross was discovered in Jerusalem in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Following this discovery, part of the Cross was preserved in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, while other fragments were sent to Constantinople and Rome. Over the centuries, splinters were distributed to the great churches of East and West, becoming treasures of Christendom. During the Middle Ages, these relics were carried in processions, used to bless the people, and regarded as powerful symbols of victory and divine protection. Sovereigns and popes themselves preserved fragments of the Cross, often enshrined in precious reliquaries. Military orders such as the Templars also received some of these relics to carry onto the battlefield. Thus, the True Cross remained at the heart of Christian devotion as a witness to the Passion and Redemption.