Handcrafted within the quiet walls of a French convent, this extraordinary devotional reliquary survives as a poignant testament to centuries of Catholic faith and remarkable needlework. Fashioned upon a silk foundation and measuring only four inches in height, the reliquary is centered by a domed glazed compartment preserving an Agnus Dei wax devotional together with relic labels identifying several saints, including St. Benedict, all arranged beneath intricate silvered metal thread embroidery. The reliquary is lavishly adorned with hand-worked bullion, purl and cannetille embroidery, metallic braid, sequins and applied ornaments, every element executed by hand in the meticulous tradition of eighteenth-century convent craftsmanship. Circa 1780. Reliquary is 4" tall, 3 1/4" and 1/2" in depth, a cover glass in place.
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Agnus Dei (center) – not a saint, but a blessed wax medallion made from wax of the Paschal Candle blessed by the Pope.
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S. Beni... – almost certainly St. Benedict (Sanctus Benedictus)
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S. Pio... – likely St. Pius (possibly Pope Pius V)
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S. And... – probably St. Andrew (Sanctus Andreas)
The reverse is equally captivating, displaying an elegant raised floral spray embroidered in silver and gilt metal threads surrounding a gilt foil blossom, transforming what would ordinarily be the back of the object into a second work of devotional art. Such reliquaries were treasured personal objects, often presented to clergy or devout laypersons, combining sacred relics with the extraordinary artistry for which French religious communities became renowned. Surviving examples retaining both their original embroidered casing and intact glazed relic compartment are increasingly scarce, particularly those remaining entirely untouched.
Condition: Entirely original and unrestored. The silk foundation exhibits expected age-related deterioration with fraying, losses and separation. Metallic embroidery remains substantially intact with scattered lifting and minor losses. The convex glazed relic compartment remains sealed and undisturbed, preserving its original devotional contents. Overall, a remarkably authentic survivor displaying the honest wear expected of an eighteenth- to early nineteenth-century convent-made devotional object. Price takes into consideration the imperfection of age.
