Reliquary Arm Carved Wood Saint Nicholas Amethyst Early 19th Century

Reliquary arm* in carved wood, decorated with an amethyst under the hand, dedicated to Saint Nicholas**, from the early 19th century. This reliquary arm is in good condition and is of good quality. Explanatory note under the relic indicating that it was previously in an 18th century reliquary. Note: three fingers of the hand have been restored (see red arrows), the base where the arm was inserted is missing, traces of restorations, old wormholes, some cracks in the wood, wear of time, see photos. *Reliquary: a reliquary is originally a kind of box intended to house one or more relics. Reliquaries are in fact of a great variety of shape and use. Some portable reliquaries intended for the display of relics were called monstrances. Others, taking on the shape of the object they contain, are called topical (such as bust reliquaries and head reliquaries which generally contain all or part of the skull of a saint, arm reliquaries, etc.). Arm reliquaries, foot reliquaries and leg reliquaries thus take on the general shape of the limbs they contain. ** Nicholas of Myra (270-345) is a bishop of the Eastern Empire renowned for his Charity and his combative Faith. Canonized, he was proclaimed protector of many nations and many trades, he is a popular figure in Christian hagiography. His Christian commemoration on December 6 is a very popular feast in many countries of the world. On Saint Nicholas' Day, tradition dictates that children who have been good throughout the year receive sweets, of a nature that varies depending on the region, and gifts. He is honored as the patron saint of schoolchildren. Dimensions Height 42.2 cm Base 10.5 cm x 6 cm Reference: D20 151 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com