Reliquary Pendant – Holy Cross And Saints – Spain – 18th Century

Reliquary Pendant with Paper Filigree – Holy Cross and Saints – Spain– 18th Century.

Oval reliquary in gilt metal, double-sided, with a refined interior decoration of polychrome paper filigree and miniature painting.

Description:

In the center, a cross containing a relic identified as “S. Crucis” (Holy Cross), placed under a radiant glory and surrounded by the heads of adoring angels, in a typically devotional composition, probably Spanish, from the 18th century.

The lower section displays several secondary relics (ex ossibus and/or ex indumentis), each inserted in a medallion and accompanied by handwritten scrolls.

Some inscriptions remain partially legible, notably revealing:
• Saint Teresa
• a saint or martyr with a name beginning with Aurelia or Aurelian
• two other saints whose identifications remain to be confirmed due to wear and the fineness of the execution.

The reverse is adorned with a painted miniature depicting a Carmelite nun undergoing a transverberation, most likely Saint Teresa of Avila, shown in ecstasy with the angel.

The work is fine and delicate, characteristic of small portable reliquaries for private devotion.

Dimensions: 5 cm x 4 cm.

Condition:

Good overall condition, slight wear and minor losses consistent with age, interior intact.

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 object 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.