Reliquary – Sculpture Of The Pietà On A Base – With 3 Relics Ex Ossibus And Ex Pall

Reliquary sculpture of the Pietà on base – With 3 relics ex ossibus and ex pallio – 19th century – Italy

Authentic antique reliquary, composed of a sculpture of the Virgin of Pity (Pietà) in carved wood, resting on a stepped base in blackened wood containing three authentic relics protected under circular glass.

Description

The Pietà is finely carved, representing the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ after the crucifixion, surmounted by a cross. This scene is rich in detail and testifies to 19th century devotional know-how, of Italian origin.
The base has a glazed medallion containing a representation of a skull, a classic symbol of the memento mori, intended to recall the transience of earthly life and the importance of the salvation of the soul.

The three relics present are the following:
1. S. Joannis Bapt. – Fragment of a relic of Saint John the Baptist (ex ossibus)
2. Ex pallio S. Josephi spons. – Fragment of the garment (mantle) of Saint Joseph, husband of Mary
3. Ex praesepio DNJC – Fragment of the Nativity Scene of Our Lord Jesus Christ

These relics are mounted in circular compartments with embroidered backgrounds, decorated with a central radiating motif (cut-out paper rosette). The handwritten labels in Latin clearly identify their provenance.

Dimensions
Total height: 28 cm
Width of the base: 11 cm
Depth: 8 cm

Condition:

Good general condition considering the age. Some visible losses and wear on the blackened wood of the base, but the relics are well preserved under glass. The whole has a beautiful patina and an old charm.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale concerns only the reliquary as an object of sacred art. The relics it contains are not the object of the transaction, but are included free of charge for their historical and cultural value.

Do not hesitate to contact me for any additional information or request for additional photos concerning the objects offered for sale.