Antique Multiple Reliquary With Relics Of Saints And Jesus, 19th C.

Interesting and antique Catholic multiple reliquary, probably from the 19th century, of hand-held format and notable devotional strength. It is an especially attractive piece not only because of the beauty of its case, but, above all, because of the important set of relics it preserves inside, arranged on a red textile background and protected by oval glass. The gilt metal frame greatly enhances its presence, with very striking decoration presided over by the pontifical tiara, the papal cross and lateral vegetal branches. However, the true value of the object lies in the relics identified by their handwritten labels in Latin.

We are looking at a reliquary composed of relics that have a spiritual ensemble of great coherence. It brings together saints linked to purity, conversion, penitence and the defense of the faith, together with two devotional references directly related to Christ: one linked to the Nativity and the other to the Passion. This combination gives the piece a very special religious interest, far superior to that of a simple decorative reliquary, and makes it an especially suggestive object for collectors of sacred art, devotees of antique relics and people of deep Catholic sensitivity.

Relics contained in the reliquary

1. S. Aloysii Gonz. - Saint Aloysius Gonzaga: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga was a young Italian nobleman who renounced courtly life to enter the Society of Jesus. He died very young, in 1591, caring for the sick during an epidemic in Rome. He is one of the most venerated Jesuit saints and a symbol of purity, consecrated youth and spiritual devotion.

2. S. Franci. Bo. - Saint Francis Borgia: Saint Francis Borgia was Duke of Gandía and a high-ranking figure at the Spanish imperial court. After being widowed, he abandoned worldly honors and entered the Society of Jesus. He became the third superior general of the Jesuits and is a model of conversion, humility and renunciation.

3. S. Athanasii Ep. - Saint Athanasius, bishop: Saint Athanasius was bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century. He was one of the great defenders of the divinity of Christ against Arianism. His presence gives the reliquary a very significant doctrinal dimension, linked to the defense of the Christian faith.

4. S. Margatite Co. - Saint Margaret of Cortona: Saint Margaret of Cortona was a 13th-century Italian Franciscan penitent. After a profound spiritual conversion, she dedicated her life to penitence, prayer and charity. She is venerated as a model of repentance, humility and inner transformation.

5. Pre. Sep. Inf. I. - Holy Manger of the Child Jesus: The inscription refers to the Praesepium Infantis Iesu, that is, the Manger of the Child Jesus. It is a devotional relic linked to the mystery of the Nativity, a contact relic or one of pious Christological tradition. Its presence gives the reliquary an especially moving dimension, related to the childhood of Christ and the birth in Bethlehem.

6. Col. Flag. I. C. - Column of the Flagellation of Jesus Christ: The inscription refers to the Columna Flagellationis Iesu Christi, the Column of the Flagellation of Jesus Christ. It is a devotional relic related to the Passion of Christ and introduces into the reliquary a Christological reference centered on the redemptive suffering of Jesus. Together with the relic of the Holy Manger, it creates a spiritual axis of great strength: from the Nativity to the Passion.

This content is, without doubt, the great argument of the piece. The reliquary brings together two Jesuit saints, a penitent saint, a great defender of the faith and two references directly connected to the mysteries of Christ, from childhood to the Passion. This spiritual richness gives the ensemble a very marked devotional personality and special interest within the field of religious antiques.

Added to this is the beauty of the case, especially decorative and uncommon because of its papal finial. The gilt metal frame preserves a very elegant presence, with lateral branches, lower bow, pontifical cross and papal tiara, elements that visually reinforce the ecclesiastical character of the piece. Although it shows the normal signs of the passage of time, it still offers a rich, harmonious and highly expressive image.

The reverse also preserves the red wax seal with its original threads, apparently intact, a very important detail because it suggests that the reliquary has not been opened or manipulated since ancient times. The seal shows an ecclesiastical coat of arms, although the specific authority that validated it cannot be identified with certainty. The preservation of this closure notably increases the interest of the piece, since it maintains its original character as a sealed reliquary.

The general condition is good for its period. The interior maintains well the arrangement of the relics and their labels, with the logical wear in an antique devotional object. The gilt metal presents small signs of use, traces of oxidation and slight visible wear, especially on the reverse, completely normal details in a piece of these characteristics and age, which do not detract from the interest of the whole.

Small in size, but full of devotional strength, this reliquary brings together in very little space a particularly intense religious reading: the innocence of the Holy Manger, the pain of the Column of the Flagellation, the purity of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, the conversion of Saint Francis Borgia, the penitence of Saint Margaret of Cortona and the doctrinal firmness of Saint Athanasius. Its gilded case, with a pontifical air, makes it a very attractive piece to the eye; but its true charm lies in that profound union between beauty, ancient faith and spiritual memory. A piece for those who are not looking only for an antique religious object, but for a testimony of eternal devotion.

Medidas: Height 8.5 cm (3.35 in). Width 5.5 cm (2.17 in).