Large Reliquary With Scrolls—the Holy Face Of Christ And Relics From The Holy Land—19th Century

Large reliquary with scrolls – Holy Face of Christ and relics from the Holy Land – 19th century

A large reliquary (56 cm) featuring a remarkable arrangement of gilded scrolls, relics, and pilgrimage mementos, organized around a depiction of the Holy Face of Christ.

In the center, a relief depiction of the Holy Face of Jesus Christ—evoking the Veil of Veronica—is surrounded by a radiant halo, small silver ornaments, and floral motifs.

The piece stands out for the richness and delicacy of its decoration: delicate scrolls coiled in spirals, radiant motifs, stars, gilded flowers, and small sparkling elements, arranged symmetrically against a black velvet background.

An oval wreath of relics, accompanied by their original identification labels, surrounds the central composition.

Identified relics and sacred mementos:
From the Holy Manger of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Ex S. Præsepio D. N. Jesu Christi).
From the Grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
From the Tree of the Virgin Mary in Egypt.
Flowers from the Holy Land placed on the Holy Sepulcher.
From the Paschal candle (De Cereus Paschali).
Dust from the Holy House of Loreto.
From the shroud of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Lendendoek van O. H. J. C.).
From the swaddling clothes of the Infant Jesus.
From the garment of the Virgin Mary.
From the tomb of Saint Cecilia.
From the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
From the Grotto of the Milk in Bethlehem.
From the tomb of the Holy Innocents.

Several inscriptions are written in Latin, French, and Dutch, reflecting a tradition of devotion and pilgrimage that was particularly well-established in the former Catholic Netherlands.

An old label preserved on the reverse, titled Het H. Aanschijn (“The Holy Face”), accompanies the set. It features a religious text in Dutch and a historical reference dated November 5, 1649.

The reliquary is presented in its imposing oval frame of blackened wood, covered with glass.
The reverse retains its original wooden panel and hanging mechanism.

Period: 19th century
Probable origin: Belgium or the former Southern Netherlands.

Condition:

Good overall condition, with patina and signs of age. Signs of wear and minor losses are visible on the reverse. The interior contents are richly preserved.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale pertains solely to 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 more photos of the items offered for sale.