Metal Monstrance And Reliquary “saint Barbara” (guache), Containing The Bones Of Saints, Tyrol, 19th Century

A reliquary monstrance resting on a rounded circular base with a baluster shaft, surmounted by an oval, radiant halo featuring alternating bands of gold and silver flames. The ensemble is crowned with a trefoil cross.

Under glass, the central medallion features a miniature portrait of Saint Barbara (S. Barbara), painted in gouache, holding a chalice surmounted by a host as well as a palm branch symbolizing her martyrdom. The depiction is surrounded by a delicate oval paper-cut border, forming an openwork lace of great finesse.

Arranged around the medallion are four small reliquaries containing fragments of the bones (ex ossibus) of saints and martyrs: “St. Vitalis M., St. Urbanus M., St. Vincetij M., St. Viti M.”
. The ensemble is set within a rich decoration of gilded paper scrolls, coiled into foliage motifs. Small devotional pouch or religious amulet, Tyrol / Southern Germany, 18th–early 19th century

On the reverse: A small popular devotional pouch (“Breverl”), traditionally known in Alpine regions as a “Breverl” (Breverlbrief), preserved alongside the reliquary monstrance. Rectangular in shape, it is wrapped in a light-colored fabric decorated with small openwork motifs and edged with delicate silver-colored metallic threadwork.

Breverl—small devotional pouch or religious amulet, Tyrol / Southern Germany, 18th–early 19th century

Small pouch for popular devotion, traditionally known in the Alpine regions as “Breverl ” (Breverlbrief), kept alongside the reliquary monstrance. Rectangular in shape, it is wrapped in a light-colored fabric decorated with small openwork motifs and edged with delicate silver-colored metallic thread.

These Breverl were objects of protective piety intended to be carried on one’s person or kept alongside religious objects. They could contain—carefully folded and sewn—small devotional images, printed or handwritten prayers, medals, blessed fragments, small scapulars, or other devotional objects. The exact contents of this one remain unknown, as the pouch has never been opened—an interesting feature that helps preserve its historical integrity.