Marble Altar Slab With Engraved Cross – Relic Container

Black marble altar consecration slab – with reliquary cavity and sealed relic – Italy or Papal States, 17th – early 18th century

Rare liturgical slab in fossiliferous black marble (probably Belgian marble), hand-carved and engraved, intended to crown an altar consecrated according to Tridentine norms.

Description

It features five engraved crosses (symbolizing the five Wounds of Christ), distributed at the four corners and in the center of the slab – canonical arrangement of the cruces consecrationis used during dedication rites.
In its center, a reliquary cavity (or sepulcrum) was cut out and once sealed, probably containing the relics of one or more martyrs, a necessary condition for the validity of the Mass according to the ancient Roman Catholic liturgy.
This slab was probably removed from an altar during the post-conciliar reform, or during the dismantling of a private or monastic chapel.

Dimensions:
35 cm x 30 cm

Condition:

Beautiful liturgical wear, slightly scratched surface, some old chips, very beautiful mineral patina

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.

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