Reliquary - Alloy - 1700-1750 - Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Double-faced reliquary – Lignum Crucis, Agnus Dei of Innocent XI and relics of saints – 17th/18th century

Rare and very beautiful double-faced devotional reliquary, octagonal in shape, closed by two thick beveled glasses and equipped with a bulla allowing it to be suspended.

The interior features a remarkable hand-painted decoration, entirely composed and painted by hand, combining polychrome flowers, foliage, cartouches and gold highlights on a dark background.

One face is dedicated to the Holy Cross. At the center, a fragment is presented on textile under the manuscript titulus: “Vere Lignum S. Crucis” — True Wood of the Holy Cross.

Around it are arranged several relics in small circular medallions, also accompanied by their handwritten tituli. Among the legible inscriptions are Saint Francis, Saint Boniface, V. M. Anna, Saint Theresa and Saint Liborius. One position preserves its titulus, but its relic is today absent.

The second face presents at the center an ancient Agnus Dei in wax, surrounded by the inscription:

“Agnus Dei Ben: ab Innoc. XI”

that is, a Blessed Agnus Dei by Pope Innocent XI, whose pontificate extends from 1676 to 1689. Agnus Dei were wax medallions solemnly blessed in Rome and distributed as objects of devotion and protection. Their presence in ancient reliquaries is particularly sought after.

The presence of this Agnus Dei provides an important chronological reference for the content of the reliquary. The composition could belong to the late 17th century or the 18th century, while remaining cautious about the exact dating of the mount, the Agnus Dei having possibly been integrated or re-mounted subsequently.

The metal mount shows a fine old patina. The beveled glasses, the extremely meticulous floral decoration, the handwritten inscriptions and the symmetric arrangement of the relics give the whole a particularly precious character.

Good overall antique condition. Wear, oxidation of the mount and occasional alterations of the decoration compatible with age, glass chips. A small peripheral relic is missing; its location and titulus remain. The piece has not been opened and is sold as presented in the photographs.

Origin: Western Europe, to be specified

A collectible piece of particular interest for its double-face construction and for bringing together, in a single reliquary, a Lignum Crucis, several saints’ relics and especially an Agnus Dei attributable to the pontificate of Innocent XI (1676–1689).

The photos are an integral part of the object description and complement its presentation. Please examine them carefully before making any commitment.

The item will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking number to ensure fast and secure delivery.

Happy bidding

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale concerns only the reliquary as a sacred art object. The relics it contains are not the subject of the transaction, but are included gratuitously for their historical and cultural value.