Large Reliquary “ex Ossibus” – Saints Innocent, Saint Justin Martyr And Saint Liberat

Last quarter of the 19th century - Circa 1870–1890 Italy Large oval Catholic reliquary, containing three bone fragments designated by handwritten phylacteries as coming ex ossibus from Saint Innocent, Saint Justin Martyr and Saint Liberatus. The relics are carefully fixed on a crimson velvet ground, framed with twisted gold beads, and sheltered under glass edged with a braid with circled motifs. The whole is mounted in an openwork stamped brass mount, with a lavish decoration: volutes, florets, stylized crosses and palmettes typical of the Italian neo-Baroque style. The back, covered with cardboard trimmed with wine-red velvet, has five red wax seals, connected by silk threads forming a cross. The upper seal, bearing an ecclesiastical coat of arms, attests to the ecclesiastical authenticity of the relics, according to Roman customs in force in the second half of the 19th century. The saints invoked: – Saint Innocent: This may be one of the Holy Innocents, the child martyrs killed by Herod in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16), whose very ancient cult symbolizes sacrificed innocence and sinless purity. Their memory has been celebrated since the first centuries as the first fruits of Christian martyrdom. – Saint Justin Martyr (circa 100 – circa 165): A pagan philosopher converted to Christianity, he was one of the first to defend the faith through reason, in the face of Roman accusations. He wrote several apologies for Christianity before being beheaded in Rome under Marcus Aurelius. He is considered one of the most important apologist fathers of the early Church. – Saint Liberatus: A monk of African origin, he led the monastery of Capsa (present-day Tunisia) in the 6th century. Under the Arian reign of King Huneric, he was arrested with his companions, tortured, and drowned. Their martyrdom is venerated in the Western Church as an example of fidelity in the face of heresy and persecution. Stylistic reading and function: An object of private devotion, probably intended for an oratory or a domestic chapel, this reliquary manifests the post-Tridentine faith in heavenly intercessors. It illustrates the intense circulation of relics in 19th-century Catholic Europe, notably via Roman congregations. Its meticulous and precious assembly, although modest, is part of a popular sacred art where each element—velvet, pearls, gilding—contributes to the sacralization of the relic. Dimensions: Height: 32 cm Width: 27.5 cm Condition: Very good overall condition. Wax seals perfectly preserved. Original wires and mount. No disassembly or restoration. Shipping: Secure parcel shipping via DHL Express, with insurance and international tracking.