19th-century French Reliquary Containing Relics Of Saint Louis IX And Saint Jeanne-françois

A very beautiful and remarkable religious object: a 19th-century French reliquary / monstrance, containing relics attributed to Saint Louis IX, King of France, and to Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal.

The relics are displayed behind the original glass and identified by handwritten inscriptions in Latin:

“SS. Sti. Ludovici Reg. Fra. et S. Joan. Fr. de Chantal”

This inscription refers to:

Sancti Ludovici Regis Franciae – Saint Louis IX, King of France
Sanctae Joannae Franciscae de Chantal – Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal

The reliquary is particularly elegant and richly decorated. The outer rim is adorned with numerous small faceted glass cabochons, which beautifully capture and reflect light, giving the piece a sparkling and precious appearance, similar to that of a piece of jewelry. The combination of the gold finish and the small glass elements gives this piece a luxurious and highly decorative appearance.

The interior features a double decorative frame in gold, which elegantly surrounds the relics and the central part of the composition. This double ornamental border highlights the two relics, which are displayed separately, and creates a refined contrast with the darker, richly colored elements of the reliquary.

The reverse side bears an original ecclesiastical seal in red wax, featuring a motif depicting the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) as well as episcopal symbolism. The seal is attached to the reliquary’s structure by the original sealing threads and appears to have been affixed to officially close and secure the reliquary.

The presence of the two identified saints, the richness of the decoration, the precious nature of the reliquary, and its original ecclesiastical seal make it a particularly interesting piece for collectors of French religious art, Catholic devotional objects, ecclesiastical history, and antique reliquaries.

The reliquary is sold in its current condition and as shown in the photographs, with its historic seal intact. No specific claim is made regarding the classification of the relics as first-class relics in the absence of the original authentica or supplementary ecclesiastical documents.

Period: 19th century
Origin: France
Type: Reliquary / monstrance-reliquary
Relics: Saint Louis IX, King of France, and Saint Jeanne-Françoise de Chantal
Distinguishing Features: Original ecclesiastical seal in red wax featuring the Agnus Dei and episcopal symbols; richly decorated with faceted glass cabochons and a double interior frame in gold
Condition: Good antique condition, consistent with its age and use

A rare religious object, highly decorative and particularly appealing, admirably combining historical devotion with the refinement of 19th-century craftsmanship and ornamentation.

Box: 4.1 x 3 inches (= 10.5 x 7.7 cm)
Relic: 3 inches high and 2 inches wide, 0.4 inches thick (= 7.7 cm high, 5.3 cm wide, 1.1 cm thick)

Thank you for your visit. Best regards, Ben