Oval Reliquary - Relic Of The Holy Cross And Relics Of The Twelve Apostles

Important oval reliquary - Relic of the True Cross and relics of the twelve Apostles - Monastic work, 18th century.

Authentic and rare oval reliquary under glass, with concentric mounting, containing in its center a relic of the True Cross (Ex Ligno S. Crucis DNJC), presented as a cross on a red textile background.

Description:

The central relic is set in an oval medallion with a radiating gilt brass surround, forming a Eucharistic sun.
The composition is organized in glory around Christ and his Apostles, according to a coherent theological iconography: Christ at the center, the columns of the Church radiating outwards.

Around the central medallion are placed the relics of the twelve Apostles, each identified by its ancient handwritten titulus: St. Peter, Apostle; St. Andrew, Apostle; St. Jacob, Apostle; St. John, Apostle; St. Philip, Apostle; St. Bartholomew, Apostle; St. Thomas, Apostle; St. Matthew, Apostle; St. Jacob Minor, Apostle; St. Simon, Apostle; St. Thaddaeus, Apostle; and St. Matthias, Apostle.

The relics are arranged in lozenge-shaped niches edged with gold, integrated into a decoration of finely rolled paper filigree, made of gilded strips. The olive-green textile background highlights the filigree work and the sacred hierarchy of the whole.

The reliquary is of exceptionally high quality: rigorous symmetry, alternating scrolls and radiating elements, and a perfectly balanced composition. It is characteristic of 18th-century convent workshops.

The reliquary is closed on the reverse with silk threads and sealed with a red ecclesiastical wax seal (present and intact), guaranteeing the integrity of its contents.

Condition:

Good overall condition; slight wear consistent with age.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale concerns only the reliquary as a sacred work of art.
The relics it contains are not the subject of the transaction but are included free of charge for their historical and cultural value.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information or to request additional photos of the items offered for sale.