Antique Reliquary - Polychrome wood - 1750-1800 - Bishop reliquary bust - 86 cm
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days
06
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32
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Current bid
€ 1,650
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Paul Wullems
He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
Estimate € 4,500 - € 5,500
 | €1,650 | |
|---|---|---|
| €800 | |
| €550 | |
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An antique Italian reliquary bust of a bishop, made of polychrome wood and dating from 1750–1800.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Episcopal bust-reliquary (2) in carved, lacquered and polychrome wood – Italy, 18th century
Important (87 cm) Italian bust-reliquary from the 18th century, representing a saint bishop wearing the mitre and dressed in his pontifical ornaments.
Made of carved wood, lacquered and polychromed, the figure stands out for its particularly decorative execution. The bearded face, treated with gravity, is topped by a high mitre enriched with colored elements imitating cabochons and precious stones. The cope features a remarkable relief decoration of volutes and vegetal motifs, highlighted with metallic tones and punctuated by green cabochons.
At the center of the chest there is an important circular reliquary cavity, currently empty, integrated into a carved surround with volutes.
The bust rests on an architecturally turned base, ornamented in its center by a winged cherub head.
The reverse, deliberately more sober and largely unadorned, retains the panel allowing access to the reliquary cavity, a characteristic feature of this type of devotional sculpture intended to receive and display relics. The work belongs to the Italian Baroque tradition of bust-reliquaries, particularly developed in the 17th and 18th centuries for the decoration of churches, chapels and sacristies.
Condition
The surface retains a very fine old presence, with wear, gaps and alterations of the polychromy and lacquer, perfectly visible in the photographs and consistent with its age. These marks of time contribute to the character and authenticity of the piece.
Note that this bust forms a pair with a second bishop bust-reliquary of the same period and comparable workmanship, also available for sale.
The photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement its presentation. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
The object will be carefully packed and shipped with a tracking number, to ensure a fast and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition.
We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection.
Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google TranslateEpiscopal bust-reliquary (2) in carved, lacquered and polychrome wood – Italy, 18th century
Important (87 cm) Italian bust-reliquary from the 18th century, representing a saint bishop wearing the mitre and dressed in his pontifical ornaments.
Made of carved wood, lacquered and polychromed, the figure stands out for its particularly decorative execution. The bearded face, treated with gravity, is topped by a high mitre enriched with colored elements imitating cabochons and precious stones. The cope features a remarkable relief decoration of volutes and vegetal motifs, highlighted with metallic tones and punctuated by green cabochons.
At the center of the chest there is an important circular reliquary cavity, currently empty, integrated into a carved surround with volutes.
The bust rests on an architecturally turned base, ornamented in its center by a winged cherub head.
The reverse, deliberately more sober and largely unadorned, retains the panel allowing access to the reliquary cavity, a characteristic feature of this type of devotional sculpture intended to receive and display relics. The work belongs to the Italian Baroque tradition of bust-reliquaries, particularly developed in the 17th and 18th centuries for the decoration of churches, chapels and sacristies.
Condition
The surface retains a very fine old presence, with wear, gaps and alterations of the polychromy and lacquer, perfectly visible in the photographs and consistent with its age. These marks of time contribute to the character and authenticity of the piece.
Note that this bust forms a pair with a second bishop bust-reliquary of the same period and comparable workmanship, also available for sale.
The photos are an integral part of the description of the objects and complement its presentation. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
The object will be carefully packed and shipped with a tracking number, to ensure a fast and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition.
We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection.
Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Weight
0 g
Wood type
Polychrome wood
Title additional information
Bishop reliquary bust - 86 cm
Number of objects
1
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Italy
Height
86 cm
Width
39 cm
Depth
22 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Style
Antique
Estimated period
1750-1800
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