Reliquary Of Saint John Of Nepomuk – 18th Century

Reliquary of Saint John of Nepomuk – silver and silver-plated metal – 18th century

Description

Important architecturally styled altar reliquary dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, priest and martyr, as indicated by the handwritten inscription: “S. Joannis Nepomuceni Presb. & Mart.” (Saint John of Nepomuk, priest and martyr).

The upper section, which has tested positive for silver, features a particularly rich composition: at the center, a glazed oval reliquary case holds the relic
The ensemble is framed by two richly worked cornucopias, adorned with foliage, ears of grain, flowers, and fruit, and surmounted by a large cross. The repoussé and chiseled decoration is characteristic of the late Baroque ornamental style.

The reliquary rests on a stem with an ovoid knot and a substantial quadrangular pedestal supported by four legs.
One side of the base is adorned with the Mystical Lamb reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals, and the reverse side with the radiant Trinitarian triangle. The stem and pedestal are not made of solid silver and appear to be crafted from silver-plated metal.

The reverse side of the upper section reveals the object’s original construction and the back of the reliquary, showing signs of wear and oxidation consistent with its age.

“Saint John of Nepomuk (c. 1345–1393), a priest and martyr from Bohemia, is particularly venerated as the protector of the secrecy of the confessional; canonized in 1729, his cult spread widely throughout Central Europe in the 18th century. ”

Probably made in Central Europe in the 18th century, in the tradition of the large Baroque altar reliquaries dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, whose cult was particularly significant in Bohemia and the Habsburg territories.

A beautiful devotional object, remarkable for the quality and abundance of its decoration as well as for the preserved relic and its ancient titulus.

Material: upper section tested as silver; stem and base in silver-plated metal
Period: 18th century
Origin: Central Europe, likely the Austro-Bohemian region

Condition:

Fine vintage condition, with wear, scratches, and signs of oxidation consistent with its age; see photographs.

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

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request further photos of the items offered for sale.