Reliquary - Statuette Of Saint Peter – Silver-plated Bronze – Religious Sculpture – High Middle Ages

Late 19th century – In the style of the High Middle Ages

Circa 1880–1890 – Germany

An elegant silver-plated bronze statuette depicting Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, made in Germany around 1880–1890 in a remarkable historicist style inspired by Renaissance religious sculpture.

The saint is depicted standing in a solemn pose, clad in ample drapery with deeply sculpted folds reminiscent of 16th-century French and Flemish works.

Saint Peter is easily identifiable by his iconographic attributes. In one hand he holds the great key to the Kingdom of Heaven, a symbol of the spiritual power entrusted to him by Christ, while his other hand supports the Book of the Gospels, evoking his apostolic mission and his founding role in the Church.

The figure rests on a remarkable openwork octagonal pedestal, richly decorated with neo-Gothic architecture inspired by medieval models. The ensemble is supported by four legs featuring finely carved lion heads, lending the composition an elegance and decorative richness characteristic of high-quality late 19th-century works.

In the center of the chest is a small niche, reminiscent of the ancient reliquary statuettes of the medieval and Renaissance periods. This decorative element, directly inspired by ancient models, reflects the desire of 19th-century bronze casters to revive the prestigious forms of the High Middle Ages.

The statuette is crafted from finely chiseled bronze and then silver-plated. The surface retains a beautiful antique patina, whose slight signs of wear delicately highlight the reliefs and underscore the quality of the chiseling.

The underside is hallmarked, attesting to meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality production.

At the crossroads of the 19th-century historicist movement and the tradition of ancient religious art, this work is a fine example of devotional and decorative objects inspired by Renaissance masterpieces. It will appeal to collectors of sacred art as well as to enthusiasts of antique bronzes and Neo-Gothic objects.

Rare for the quality of its casting, the elegance of its architecture, and the finesse of its decoration, this statuette of Saint Peter stands as a remarkable testament to the revival of religious arts during the second half of the 19th century.

In good condition, with a beautiful patina of age. Slight signs of wear consistent with its age.

Dimensions:

Height: 12 cm

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