Reliquary - Silver - 1750-1800 - Peter Streissel, Munich, 1783 - Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

RARE Silver Reliquary Cross – Peter Streissel – Munich, 1783 – Case and ancient provenance

Exceptional Bavarian silver reliquary cross, made in Munich in 1783 by the goldsmith Peter Streissel (active from 1780, died in 1813), known for his production of religious and liturgical metalwork.

The cross, with trilobed ends, is entirely adorned with an elegant engraved pattern of scrolls and vegetal motifs. It bears a finely chased round Christ, surmounted by the titulus INRI.

At the crossing sits a stained glass reliquary oculus containing fragments of wood arranged in the shape of a cross, traditionally presented as a relic of the Lignum Crucis – wood of the True Cross.

The whole is surrounded by remarkable convent work (Klosterarbeit), composed of capillary work and gold-toned metal bouillons, sequins, pearls and small ornaments on a textile background.

Papers and inscriptions

The cross bears:

* the master’s mark “P.ST”, attributed to Peter Streissel;
* the Munich control mark, with the Münchner Kindl and the date 83, corresponding to the year 1783;
* on the reverse, a monogram engraved “D.A.A.” accompanied by the date 1804, testimony to an intervention or historical association after its manufacture.

Ancient provenance – Marie-Thérèse, Queen of Bavaria

The cross is accompanied by two old handwritten notes kept in its case.

One of them clearly bears the name “Maria Theresia” as well as the mention “Königin v. Bayern” – “Queen of Bavaria.” A prestigious provenance linked to Marie-Thérèse, Queen of Bavaria (Kg. von Bayern), attesting to the piece’s presence within the Wittelsbach royal family collections in the 19th century.

This inscription constitutes an important ancient provenance element, suggesting an association of the cross with Marie-Thérèse de Modène (1849-1919), Queen of Bavaria, wife of King Louis III. In the absence of further archival documentation, this royal provenance should nevertheless be regarded as ancient and traditionally attributed, but not formally certified.

The second note bears a short ancient manuscript text in German.

The item is kept in its old case specially fitted to the cross shape, externally gilt and lined with red fabric, showing the normal wear of its age.

Rare Munich sacred art metalwork ensemble from the late 18th century, particularly interesting for its identified silversmith, its precise dating to 1783, its Klosterarbeit reliquary, its ancient case and the manuscript provenance documents kept with the piece.

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

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

Happy bidding

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