Reliquary with relic of the Holy Cross and four saints, gilded bronze, Central Europe, 18th century.
8000,00 zł
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.
In the middle: "Lig. SS Crucis " (Lignum S.S. Crucis) is an abbreviation from Latin for Lignum Sanctae Crucis, which translates as the Tree of the Holy Cross. It is a term used on relics, indicating that they contain particles of the Cross on which, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was crucified (the so-called True Cross - Vera Crux).
Above the relic "S. Rochi Conf." which should read: S.[ancti] Rochi Conf.[essoris], and in Polish: Saint Roch the Confessor.
Saint Roch - born in Montpellier, France, died before 1420 in Montpellier or Voghera, Italy; Franciscan tertiary, saint of the Catholic Church. Roch was born as the only son of a Montpellier government official. He lost his parents at a young age. After selling his considerable property, he gave away everything to the poor and set out for Rome. During the plague epidemic, he cared for the infected in northern Italy. He reached Rome, where he performed many miraculous healings. On his return to France, he contracted the plague in Piacenza. To avoid infecting others, he hid in a nearby forest, where a dog would bring him food. After recovering, he went on his way, but at the border he was taken for an Italian spy and died in prison. In Poland, he is revered mainly as a patron saint protecting from pestilence, and is also considered a protector of pets. Liturgical memorial celebrated on August 16.
On the right "S. Sebast. M " or S.[ancti] Sebast.[iani] M.[artyris], which translates: saint Sebastian the Martyr. Saint Sebastian is an early Christian martyr of the 3rd century, a Roman soldier and commander of Emperor Diocletian's guard. According to tradition, he was sentenced to death by archers after revealing his Christian faith; he survived, but was later bludgeoned to death. He is the patron saint of soldiers, athletes and an intercessor during epidemics.
At the bottom: "S. Rosaliae V." or S.[anctae] Rosaliae V.[irginis], which translates: of Saint Rosalia the Virgin. Saint Rosalia of Palermo (c. 1130-1166) is a 12th-century Italian hermit and virgin, venerated in the Catholic Church as a patroness who protects against the plague. She abandoned courtly life to live in a grotto on Monte Pellegrino mountain, devoting herself to prayer. Her liturgical memory is celebrated on September 4.
Left: "S. Fabian. M. " or S.[ancti] Fabian[i] M.[artyris], which translates: saint Fabian the Martyr. Saint Fabian (d. 250) was the 20th Pope of the Catholic Church (236-250), a martyr and saint who died during the persecution under Emperor Decius. He organized the administration of the Roman Church, dividing the city into 7 deaconries. His liturgical memory is celebrated on January 20, and tradition links him to the dove that rested on his head during his election.
| Type |
Relic |
|---|---|
| Form |
Monstrance |
| Materiał |
Bronze ,Crystal ,Gilding |
| Kolorystyka |
Gold |
| Technika |
null |
| Czas powstania |
18th century (1701-1800) |
| Era |
Baroque |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
Central Europe |
| Autor |
Unknown |
| State of preservation |
Gilt rubbing, visible signs of age but overall very good. |
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