925 Silver Reliquary With Enamel And Malachite – Blessed Théophane Vénard – 20th Century

Reliquary of Blessed Théophane Vénard – 925 silver, enamel, and malachite – 20th century

A rare reliquary dedicated to Blessed Théophane Vénard (1829–1861), a priest of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, missionary in Tonkin, and martyr, who was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1988.

The piece features a large arched silver panel, worked in repoussé and chiseled, depicting the scene of Théophane Vénard’s martyrdom, as he kneels before his executioner and is surrounded by a crowd. Beneath the scene is engraved the inscription “BX. THEOPHANE VENARD P.P.N.”, accompanied by Asian characters.

In the center is a remarkable removable reliquary medallion, decorated with polychrome blue, red, and white enamels on a gilded background. The relic is preserved under glass, accompanied by its handwritten label “B. TH. VÉNARD.”

The reverse of the medallion retains its ecclesiastical seal in red wax, attesting to the official sealing of the reliquary.

The reliquary rests on a substantial polygonal base of hammered silver, embellished with gilded elements and a wide, faceted malachite ring.

The piece bears several hallmarks, including the “925” mark, indicating 925/1000 silver, as well as a second hallmark featuring a crown surmounting a letter—presumably a D—whose exact identification remains to be determined.

A very beautiful example of religious silverwork, particularly decorative and unusual, combining silver, gilding, polychrome enamels, malachite, and a sealed relic.

Period: 20th century, after the beatification of Théophane Vénard in 1909.

Materials: 925/1000 silver, gilded elements, polychrome enamels, malachite, glass, and wax.

Subject: Blessed Théophane Vénard, martyr of Tonkin.

Hallmarks: 925 and a crowned hallmark to be identified.

Condition: very good overall condition, with slight signs of wear and oxidation consistent with its age.

Jean-Théophane Vénard (1829–1861) was a French priest of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, sent as a missionary to Tonkin, in present-day Vietnam. Arrested for his missionary work, he was imprisoned and then beheaded in Hanoi on February 2, 1861, at the age of 31. The letters he wrote during his captivity contributed greatly to his fame. Beatified in 1909 by Pius X, he was canonized in 1988 by John Paul II as one of the 117 Vietnamese martyrs.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale concerns only the reliquary as an object of sacred art. The relics it contains are not part of the transaction but are included free of charge due to their historical and cultural value.

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