Reliquary In The Form Of A Bishop's Bust In Silver – 19th Century

Reliquary in the form of a bishop's bust in silver - 19th century

Very beautiful anthropomorphic reliquary in solid silver, representing a holy bishop, dressed in his cope and wearing the episcopal mitre, decorated with colored glass cabochons simulating precious stones.
The object rests on four feet in the form of reclining lions, a traditional symbol of vigilance and spiritual strength.

Description

This opening bustic-shaped reliquary reveals an interior partially gilded with fine gold (vermeil), intended to contain bodily relics or sacred objects. The work is finely chiseled, with plant friezes on the robe and floral decorations on the mitre.
The set demonstrates quality goldsmithing, probably made in a religious workshop in Northern Italy or Imperial Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire)

Dimension: Height: 14 cm x 9 cm x 8 cm deep

Decoration: Colored cabochons, chiseling, stylized lions
Function: Liturgical or private devotional reliquary
Opening: Hinged at the base, hollow interior for relics
Hallmarks: Master goldsmith hallmark with crown and letters RC Guarantee hallmark in the shape of a floral rosette

Condition:

Very good general condition.
Old patina respected. Functional closure. No missing parts. Clean and well-preserved interior.
Saint represented unidentified, probably a local or regional bishop.

Rare object by its typology and its excellent state of conservation.

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