Monstrance reliquary in the form of a crucifix with relics of the Holy Cross, gilt bronze, silver-plated, Central Europe, 18th century.
A rococo double-sided reliquary in the shape of a cross with decorative three-leafed arm ends, decorated with silver rosettes and ruby-colored glass. The glazed box (ostensorium) contains a metal, glazed capsule. At its very center, against a bright background, are two splinters arranged in a cross. The relic is surrounded by an elaborate decoration made of silver or gilded metal threads twisted into tiny springs and weaves (known as biont). They form the form of a radial nimbus around a central point. The wreath around the relic is decorated with eight pearls (probably river pearls). The whole was composed on a silk or parchment pad.
Around the capsule a rich, openwork gloria with a dynamic, asymmetrical rococo composition. The decoration is based on rocaille motifs and fancifully twisted volutes of the C and S type, supplemented with artistic floral details (cartilaginous and bivalve ornament). Surface finely chiseled, with preserved gilding in the recesses of the ornament.
The back of the reliquary has a passion character. The figure of the Crucified Christ (Corpus Christi) is placed here. A decorative rosette with green glass is preserved on the right arm of the cross. Mounting holes and rivets can be seen on the other arms.
Baluster shaft, in a simple geometric form. Oval foot, wide and profiled, decorated with repoussed motifs of leaves and flowers, silvered.
Monstrance, brass with silver-plated elements, France, ca. 1860-1890
Chapel with Our Lady of Czestochowa and Eagle, Poland, 19th century.
Christ Crucified, wood, Spain (Pyrenees?), 12th-13th century.
The sculpture impresses with the pronounced rigidity of the body, typical of early Roman depictions. The calm yet poignant expression of Christ's face is emphasized by huge, forward-facing eyes set in deep eye sockets.
His gaze, however, is slightly lowered, emphasized by a prominent nose and large, spreading ears that frame his face. His hair falls symmetrically on his shoulders; a peculiar hairstyle draws attention - the hair, separated by a parting on top of the head, is arranged in rollers covered with densely diagonal cuts. Very similarly arranged hair, resembling braids, has the famous statue of Christ of Mig Aran, located in the church of Sant Miquèu de Vielha (Val d'Aran valley). The beard and mustache end in artificial, volute curls.
Fragment of an antiphonary page with illuminated initial, parchment, Europe, 15th century
Icon of Our Lady of the Dawn Gate, brass, enamel on metal, Poland, 19th century.
Irish (Celtic) cross, stone sculpture, Ireland, 19th century.
Reliquary with relic of the Holy Cross and four saints, gilded bronze, Central Europe, 18th century.
Baroque reliquary in the form of a monstrance, made of gilded bronze. Oval foot, multi-stepped, decorated with repoussed and engraved floral ornament. Smooth shaft with profiled nodus. Reservaculum surrounded by a gloria The gloria of the reliquary was formed of frayed, numerous rays, over which is superimposed a contrasting decorative wreath covered with rocaille and floral motifs. In the repository is placed an oval capsule made of silver sheet, glazed from the front. Glass at the edge decorated with octagonal faceting. On the back there is a wax seal on strings. The seal bears a coat of arms: in an ornamental cartouche a lion to the left, and below - separated by a beam - an opposite griffin to the left. The whole is crowned with a cardinal's hat (Galero): a hat with a wide brim and dangling strings with brads (fiocchi), which is a sign of cardinal dignity. Inside the capsule are 5 relics, described in ink on bandoliers - read more in the extended content below.
Saint John the Evangelist, late Gothic wooden sculpture, ca. 1500
The work may have been part of a winged altarpiece (retabulum), most likely in the Crucifixion group.