Large Reliquary Case Of The True Cross Saint Paperolles Convent Gilded Frame 19th Century

Large showcase relic of the True Cross gilded frame 19th

Convent reliquary with gilded paperolles, 19th century, numerous saint relics

Large 19th-century showcase reliquary, presented in a deep frame under glass, decorated with paperolles, gilded cannetilles, white ribbons, metallic stars, stylized flowers and a reddish-brown velvet background. The composition is organized like a small domestic or convent altar: in the center, a figure of Christ with the Sacred Heart placed under an archway, framed by a Virgin at prayer on the left and a Saint Joseph holding the Infant Jesus on the right. The three figures rest on ornate pedestals, in a devotional architecture of arches, crosses and metallic embroidery.

The ensemble is highly decorative and retains its 19th-century spirit of private piety. The work of gilded cannetille, metallic flowers and stars around the relics gives the composition great visual richness. Each relic is set in a white textile reserve, cut in the shape of a star, cross or cartouche, with its antique handwritten label.

Relics legible or partially legible in the photos:

St Antoine
St Étienne M.
St François Xavier
St Celse M.
Ste Bla... / Ste Blaise? reading to be confirmed
Ste Célestine M.
Ste Eugénie
St Honoré
St Timothée
St Victor M.
St Léon M.
Ste Anne
Ste Lucie
St Vincent, partial reading
Stes Reliques
Vraie Croix
other small relics visible on the sides, some labels partially obscured or difficult to decipher under glass

The relic of the True Cross is placed in the lower left-hand section, in an oval cartouche, which adds particular interest to this reliquary. Several martyrs' relics are identified by the letter "M.", including St. Celsus M., St. Celestine M. and St. Victor M.