Pair Of Reliquary Frames Of Saints And Martyrs, Tyrol, 18th Century

Pair of glass-fronted reliquary frames made of carved and gilded wood, Tyrol, 18th century. The two compositions feature watercolors depicting the suffering Christ crowned with thorns (Ecce Homo) and the Mater Dolorosa, surrounded by relics of saints and martyrs.

The relics are set within a decorative border of silver thread, pearls, colored stones, and hand-crafted ornaments in the tradition of monastic craftsmanship. The wax seals preserved on the reverse side attest to the ecclesiastical authentication of both sets.

Inscriptions on the frame of the Mater Dolorosa:  “S. Ursulae V. M.,” “S. Dionysi M.,” and “S. Clarae V.”

• S. Modesti M. – Saint Modestus, martyr of the early Church.
• S. Vincenti M. – Saint Vincent of Zaragoza, one of Spain’s most important martyrs.
• St. Ambrosius, Bishop – Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan and Father of the Church.
• St. Ursula, Virgin and Martyr – Saint Ursula, virgin and martyr.
• St. Dionysius the Martyr – St. Denis, martyr and first bishop of Paris.
• St. Clare the Virgin – St. Clare of Assisi, founder of the Order of the Poor Clares.