Gilded Bronze Reliquary-monstrance Depicting Several Saints – 19th Century

A gilded bronze reliquary-monstrance, likely dating from the second half of the 19th century, featuring a rich Baroque-inspired ornamental design.

The upper section, crowned by a cross, consists of an openwork frame decorated with volutes, foliage scrolls, flowers, and a mascaron. Two full-length figures of saints, with their arms raised, frame a glazed oval medallion containing several relics.

These relics, arranged on a textile background and accompanied by their identification labels in Latin, are attributed to the following saints:

• Saint Peter, Apostle (S. Petri Apost.).

• Saint Paul, Apostle (S. Pauli Apost.).

• Saint Francis of Assisi (S. Franc. Ass.).

• Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (S. Aloysius G.).

• Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary (S. Josephi Sp.).

• A relic from the Holy Sepulcher of the Virgin Mary (Ex Sepul. VM.), according to the inscription on the medallion.

Other Latin inscriptions are present around the edge of the medallion, attesting to the combination of several relics within a single devotional object.

The reverse side of the medallion preserves its intact ecclesiastical seal, consisting of a red wax seal bearing a coat of arms, held in place by its original cords. The seal features a coat of arms surmounted by an ecclesiastical cap and its cords, attesting to a traditional sealing of relics.

The lower section features a shaft adorned with a partially draped human figure, framed by stylized foliage, resting on an architectural, openwork base decorated with scrollwork and plant motifs.

The piece is distinguished by the richness of its ornamentation, the balance of its composition, and the quality of its casting and chasing, characteristics typical of 19th-century historicist religious art.

Beautiful antique gilding with a natural patina, some wear, and traces of oxidation due to its age. In good overall condition. The medallion is perfectly sealed, with no apparent tampering with the relics.

Period: second half of the 19th century

Shipping: 14 euros within France, 25 euros within the EU, and 100 euros to the rest of the world.