Reliquary - Relic Of The True Cross And The Holy Crown Of Thorns - Sterling Silver

Second half of the XIXᵉ century

France

Small oval pendant reliquary containing two major relics of Christianity: a fragment of the True Cross and a relic of the Holy Crown of Thorns.

This association is particularly remarkable. The reunion, in the same private devotion reliquary, of two instruments of Christ's Passion - the Cross and the Crown - remains uncommon and testifies to a desire for strong symbolic concentration around sacrifice and redemptive suffering. This type of montage goes beyond the simple pious object to enter a rarer and more significant dimension.

In the center, a lignoid fragment is presented in the form of a cross. Directly below, a fragment attributed to the Holy Crown of Thorns is arranged, completing the composition in a particularly significant vertical reading. The whole is surrounded by a radiant decoration composed of gilded metal wires and rolled paper, and structured by handwritten strips arranged in a cross, bearing the inscriptions "True Cross" and "Crown of N.S (Our Lord Jesus Christ)", explicitly attesting to the nature and disposition of the relics.

The reliquary mount is silver, sober and thick, presenting a beautiful material presence. The suspension ring is sewn to red velvet, itself fixed to an oval gilded brass frame. This deep red textile background intensifies the visual reading and underlines the sacrificial dimension of the whole.

The reverse side of the frame is fitted with a metal fastening system, enabling it to be displayed on a wall or stand. The reliquary is sealed with a red wax seal bearing an ecclesiastical imprint, guaranteeing its integrity. The silk threads are present, confirming the original sealing. The latter has not been opened.

The fine, rigorous interior assembly bears witness to the meticulous workmanship characteristic of religious productions of the XIXᵉ century. Each element is arranged according to a codified logic, where aesthetics directly serve the legibility of the sacred.

An object of intimate devotion, intended to be worn or kept as spiritual protection, this reliquary is distinguished by the exceptional nature of the relics it contains. The joint presence of the True Cross and the Holy Crown of Thorns, arranged in a hierarchical composition, gives it a special significance, rarely brought together in such a small format.

It's an object of intimate devotion, intended to be worn or kept for spiritual protection.

A strong piece, both discreet and deeply charged with meaning, where the concentration of the sacred is expressed in a remarkable balance between outward sobriety and inner richness.

Condition: Good overall condition, wear from use, slight alterations to wax seal without opening, threads present, interior intact, glass in good condition.

Dimensions : Brass frame : Height 6 cm

Reliquary: 3.5 cm

Delivery: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.