SILVER RELIQUARY CONTAINING A RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS

Rare small 19th-century silver reliquary with a glass front containing a relic of the True Cross.

This oval reliquary features a silver mount with a beaded border, surmounted by its original suspension loop. The glazed front protects the interior composition, which has remained in its original condition.

The background consists of red velvet upon which rests a cross made of white paperolles, enclosing a precious fragment of the True Cross. The restrained composition draws full attention to the relic.

The reverse is decorated with a relief depiction of the crucified Christ, accompanied by Mary Magdalene kneeling at the foot of the Cross beneath the rays of divine glory, evoking the scene of Calvary.

Good state of preservation.
Antique glass.
Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 2 cm
SIZE: 0.8"

Relics of the True Cross rank among the most prestigious relics in Christianity. According to tradition, they originate from the Cross upon which Christ was crucified, which was discovered in Jerusalem in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Small authenticated fragments were subsequently distributed to major churches and religious communities, where they became objects of exceptional veneration.

The cross-shaped decoration enclosing the relic directly recalls the instrument of the Passion and naturally draws the eye toward the sacred fragment. The red velvet background evokes Christ’s sacrifice, while the silver mount emphasizes the precious nature of this devotional object.

With its silver mount, restrained decoration, and preserved original elements, this reliquary is a remarkable example of 19th-century devotional art dedicated to the veneration of the True Cross.