Baroque Reliquary Paperolles Containing Numerous Relics Of Holy Martyrs - 19th Century

Baroque reliquary in rolled paper containing numerous relics of martyred saints (circa 1830-1850) - Italy

Reliquary from the late Empire or early Restoration period, made of filigree paper and rolled parchment (paperolles), a technique characteristic of 19th-century convents.
This is a particularly elaborate example, richly decorated with gilded spirals, plant beads, metal threads and embroidered silk backgrounds.

Description

The frame, in original gilded wood, contains under glass a collection of relics of martyred saints, distributed symmetrically around a small central Golgotha on a painted background.
A cross overlooks the composition, symbolizing the sacrifice of Christ.
Identification of the relics:
Martyr saints represented:
1. S. Illuminata M. — Saint Illuminata, virgin and martyr (ancient cult in Ravenna and Umbria).
2. S. Theophila M. — Saint Theophilus, probably a virgin martyr of the first centuries.
3. S. Devotae M. — Saint Devota, patron saint of Monaco, 4th-century martyr.
4. S. Clementis M. — Saint Clement, pope and martyr, one of the first successors of Saint Peter.
5. S. Mauricii M. — Saint Maurice, leader of the Theban legion, martyr at Agaune (present-day Switzerland).
6. S. Severini M. — Saint Severinus, probably the martyred bishop of Cologne or a namesake.
7. S. Artemiae M. — Saint Artemia, virgin martyr.
8. S. Vincentii M. — Saint Vincent, deacon and martyr of Zaragoza.

Inscription on the back:The handwritten label on the back, although partially erased, bears a visible date “1819” and the word “Frumenzio” (perhaps a reference to the monk or relic collector?).
It could be a name of a religious person or the place of origin.
Dimensions height 31.5 cm x 25 cm x 4.5 cm depth

Condition:

The whole has remained intact and in good condition, despite some wear and traces of time visible on the handwritten inscriptions. The relics are contained in closed compartments, fixed with wax or threads, and are accompanied by their period handwritten identification labels, sometimes enhanced with gilding.

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.