Reliquary Containing Relics Of 13 Saints, Virgin Mary & Joseph With Coa

Lot description

Gold-tone metal multi-relic theca reliquary, housing (fifteen) first and second-class relics of various saints, including an ex velo (of the veil) relic of the Blessed Virgin Mary and an ex pallio (of the cloak) relic of Saint Joseph, additional saints identified by the consignor as Aloysius Gonzaga, Stanislaus Kostka, Philip Neri, John Francis Regis, Francis de Sales, Vincent de Paul, Alphonsus Liguori, Blaise, Roch, Sebastian, Andrew Avellino, Pantaleon, and Pacificus of San Severino, the grouping likely reflects the rising popularity of liturgical piety in the 1820s, emphasizing a mix of traditional early Christian martyrs with modern founders, further encased in a gilt-metal cruciform altar reliquary, rising on flared circular base, red wax seal with Cardinal Placidus Zurla's coat of arms at verso of theca, accompanied by certificate of authenticity issued by Cardinal Placidus Zurla, Congregation of Saint Benedict of the Order of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, certificate dated July 18, 1826, theca: approx 2"l, 1 7/8"w, overall: approx 13"h, 8 1/8"w, 4.5"d, 535.5 grams (inclusive of all materials) Provenance: from the extensive collection of a long-time contributor of relics, Catholic church goods, and liturgical antiques NOTE: ALL JEWELRY & COIN LOTS REALIZING OVER $1,000 MUST BE PAID BY BANK WIRE. STANDARD TREATMENTS ASSUMED ON ALL COLORED STONES