Large Reliquary Of Saint Euphemia – Late 16th Century

Beautiful monstrance in gilded wood, typical of the Italian Renaissance, with the seven Martyrs. In the middle of the upper part, in a frame under glass, there is a pretty work of trimmings in the shape of flowers, leaves and embroidery. In its center sits an oval gouache representing the Good Shepherd, surrounded by pearls and garlands of gilded metal wire.
Near our representation are bagged relics of two Martyrs: Saint Simplice of Rome Martyr in 303, and Saint Thebeorum, i.e. martyr of the Theban legion. To the left and right in two small frames, also glazed, are relics of the following Saints and Martyrs: Victoria – Amantia – Largi and Paulinae

Finally, in the upper part in the nest box, rests the spiritually most important relic of the reliquary. This last "ex ossibus" is that of Saint Euphemia of Chalcedon, megalomartyr of the year 305. It is this recognition as a Great Martyr which earned her the summit position here.

On the back are a series of wax seals, probably bearing the arms of Gian Francesco Gambara, made cardinal in 1561 and died in 1600 in Rome. Good condition – Note fragility at the base.
61 cm high by 29 wide and 11 deep.