Three Baroque Reliquary With Oil Painting Depicting The Virgin Mary, Dated 1743

Origin:
Central Europe

Date:
1743

Style:
Baroque

Materials / Technique:
Oil on wood, glass, gilded paper, silk flowers, silver thread, and relics

Dimensions:

• Height: 39 cm

• Width: 30.5 cm

• Depth: 6 cm

Condition:
Good condition, consistent with the object’s age.

A rare Baroque reliquary dated 1743, combining a devotional depiction of the Virgin Mary with the relics of three martyrs from the early days of Christianity. The upper section features an oil painting of the Virgin Mary, while the lower glass-fronted compartment houses a rich composition of relics adorned with gilded paper strips, silk flowers, and fine silver threads.

According to the inscriptions, the relics are associated with the following saints:

• Saint Urban I, Pope and Martyr (Sanctus Urbanus Papa et Martyr)

• Saint Rodopenae, martyr

• Saint Prosperus, martyr

On the reverse is the handwritten inscription “ K 1743 M”, which may refer to the Latin phrase Kalendis Martii (“on the calends of March”), indicating that the reliquary was likely made or authenticated on March 1, 1743.

These reliquaries were among the most remarkable objects of Catholic devotion in the 18th century. Often crafted with the utmost care in convents or ecclesiastical workshops, they possess, beyond their religious function, significant artistic and decorative value. The harmonious arrangement of their various ornaments underscores the spiritual significance of the relics.