Reliquary Depicting The “flagellation Of Christ”. Silver, Enamel. 16th Century.

Reliquary depicting the "Flagellation of Christ". Silver, enamel. 16th century.
Oval reliquary pendant decorated on the outside with a striped band and raised elements on the edge (with curved profiles and simple engraved scrolls), fitted with a chain with smooth oval links (all practically identical). On the front and back, it presents two figurative scenes of striking polychromy. On the one hand, Christ is placed in the center of the composition, tied to a tall column, whipped by two executioners or soldiers with branches, according to a composition common in the 16th century. On the other hand, attention is drawn to a hollow in the pendant protected by glass (because it contains a relic, highlighted by a Latin cross), highlighted in the composition by rays of light and a beam of light; This element appears to be held by an angel and surrounded by small winged heads (common in the Renaissance) floating among the clouds, and is accompanied by Saint Joseph with the Child and the flowered staff, and Saint Anthony of Padua (also with the Child and a bouquet of flowers). This type of jewel has always had great value, both for the materials used and for its religious content. Despite this (or perhaps because of this same appreciation), there are not many examples of quality and in good condition, and they are only found in important private collections and in exceptional museums such as the Fundación Valencia de Don Juan in Madrid, the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas...
Weight: 160 g • Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 10 cm