Monstrance reliquary in the form of a crucifix with relics of the Holy Cross, gilt bronze, silver-plated, Central Europe, 18th century.
8200,00 zł
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.
1 in stock
The reliquary represents an interesting double-sided type, which could serve two functions: from the front it was a reliquary (for kissing or adoration), and from the back it was a classical altar cross. Such a design is typical of the rich church furnishings of the 18th century. It was made in a monastic workshop of Central Europe (Bavaria, Silesia, Lesser Poland). The dominance of asymmetrical rocaille ornamentation, which "breaks up" classical baroque forms, is characteristic of the mid-18th century. The reliquary was most likely made between 1740 and 1760, and represents high-end artistic (workshop) craftsmanship beyond the standard mass production of that era.
| Weight | 0,363 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 28 × 13,3 × 8 cm |
| Type |
Monstrance reliquary in the form of a crucifix double-sided |
| Forma | |
| Materiał |
Gilded bronze, silver plated |
| Kolorystyka |
Gold ,Silver |
| Technika |
Chiseled casting ,Repousing |
| Czas powstania |
ca. 1740-1760 r. |
| Era |
Baroque |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
Central Europe |
| Autor |
Unknown |
| State of preservation |
Rubbing of gilding and silvering, visible signs of age but overall very good. The reliquary is preserved in integral condition. |
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Holy Cross monstrance reliquary, gilded bronze, Central Europe, 18th century (ca. 1750)
Rococo reliquary in the form of a monstrance. In the glazed box (ostensorium) there is a cross made of rock crystal, in an openwork silver frame. Inside it are placed relics - small fragments (splinters) from the Tree of the Holy Cross. On the back of the crystal cross, silk threads are visible, binding the relic to the setting, as well as a lacquer seal imprint.
Gloria (rays) - a richly decorated halo in the form of a radial shield, characteristic of a monstrance. On its perimeter, decorated with rocaillas, colored glasses of ruby and green are set, and the whole is crowned by a small cross with a central red eye.
Instead of a simple geometric form, the nodus is formed of twisted, sigmoidal volutes (shapes resembling the letters "C" and "S") that flow seamlessly from one to the other.
The foot is oval, multi-stepped, decorated with repoussed rocaillas. The reliquary represents high-class artistic craftsmanship; it is most likely preserved in "integral" condition.