Monstrance - Metal, Wood - 1750-1800 - Reliquary - Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Baroque reliquary in carved wood and metal – Italy, 18th–19th century

Ancient religious reliquary, likely of Italian origin, made between the late 18th and 19th century, in Baroque style.

The object consists of a carved wooden structure, originally gilded, with finely worked embossed metal applications. The decoration is very rich and typically baroque: scrolls, vegetal motifs, and figures of cherubs/angels carved in high relief, surrounding a protected central case topped with a cross.

In the center, there is a glass reliquary case containing a fragment of the Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, framed by an elaborate ornamental mount. On the back, there is an inscription 'XXVI', likely referring to an ancient ecclesiastical inventory numbering.

The piece rests on a wooden-shaped base, with traces of original gilding, typical of objects intended for use on an altar or in a private oratory.