Reliquary - Reliquary Of The True Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Religious Art

Late 19th century
France

A rare and moving testament to Christian devotion, this portable medallion-reliquary houses an insignificant relic of the "True Cross" (Lignum Crucis).

The main face, protected by glass, reveals a meticulous composition on a purple velvet background. A delicate red and gold textured cross features two superimposed fragments of the True Cross at its center, forming a small black cross on which the holy relic is preciously affixed. A hand-calligraphed inscription at the base explicitly mentions the nature of the relic: "True Cross".

The object opens at the back with a removable metal lid that protects the heart of the reliquary. The interior retains its original authentication in an exceptionally fresh state: a large, perfectly clear red wax seal with the ecclesiastical arms, sealing the original red silk threads. These threads, which run across the edge of the case, are completely intact and original, providing an inviolable guarantee that the relic has never been touched or opened.

This type of small reliquary occupied an essential place in personal piety at the end of the 19th century. Designed to be worn as pendants, integrated into a rosary or kept as close to oneself as possible when traveling, they constituted for the faithful an absolute symbol of spiritual protection and a powerful vehicle for meditation on the Passion.

The finesse of the calligraphy, combined with the rigor of the ecclesiastical seal, testifies to the extreme care taken to preserve these sacred fragments. It perfectly illustrates the expertise of the convents and specialized workshops of the period, where piety was expressed through an art of miniature of great fervor.

Beautiful condition with discreet wear and use patina consistent with its age on the silver-plated metal case. Wax seal and silk threads perfectly preserved.

Dimensions.

Dimensions: Height (with ring): 4 cm

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