RELIQUARY, RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS, OF SAINT ANNE AND SAINT JUDE

This rare altar reliquary, crafted in the 18th century in gilded bronze, is a work of sacred goldsmithing of remarkable finesse. Its refined design, inspired by late Baroque and early Neoclassical styles, reflects the importance of relic veneration in Christian tradition.

The entire piece rests on a richly decorated circular base, providing stability to the structure while adding an elegant decorative touch. Rising from this base is a slender shaft, finely sculpted with delicate motifs, which leads to the central medallion—the heart of the reliquary. This medallion, protected by a glass, houses several precious relics, including a fragment of the True Cross. It is mounted on a gold leaf cross, placed on a red textile background, a color symbolizing the Passion of Christ.

Around this central relic, two other relics complete the composition: one of Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, and one of Saint Jude Thaddeus, Apostle. Each is identified by a small parchment scroll bearing its name in Latin. The interior decoration of the medallion is particularly refined, with golden embroidery and floral motifs emphasizing the sacred nature of the piece.

• "S. Crucis D.N.J.C.": Of the Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  This inscription confirms the presence of a fragment of the wood of the True Cross, the instrument of Christ's crucifixion and one of the most venerated relics in Christian tradition.

• "S. Annae M. BVM": Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  Saint Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. She is especially honored as the protector of families and mothers.

• "S. Thaddei Ap.": Saint Jude Thaddeus, Apostle
  Saint Jude Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles of Christ and is regarded as the patron saint of desperate cases and difficult situations. His veneration is especially widespread in the Catholic tradition.

The entire composition is enhanced by a solar aura, made up of radiant golden rays, symbolizing divine light and heavenly glory. This motif, typical of reliquaries from this period, emphasizes the spiritual presence and lends a majestic solemnity to the piece.

On the back of the reliquary, three red wax seals affixed to a parchment ensure the authenticity of the relics. Bound together with silk threads, they certify that the reliquary has not been opened or altered since its validation by an ecclesiastical authority.

This magnificent altar reliquary, a testament to the artistic refinement and religious devotion of the 18th century, illustrates the importance of relics in Christian worship and remains a precious object of contemplation and prayer.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 27 cm x 12 cm
SIZE: 10.6" x 4.7"

Relics of the True Cross are fragments of the wood upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to Christian tradition, the mother of Emperor Constantine, Saint Helena, discovered the Cross of Christ in Jerusalem in the 4th century. These precious relics were then distributed among churches and shrines throughout Europe and the Christian East. They became objects of great veneration, symbolizing Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. Many sumptuous reliquaries were created to preserve and honor them, often made of finely crafted gold and silver.