Four Remarkable Monstrances Reliquaries - Circa 1700

It is rare to find a series of four monstrances for sale and with more than 120 cm, it is just as rare to present reliquaries of this size. Finally, the presence of notable ex-ossibus relics still constitutes a remarkable curiosity.
These three specificities and the age of this suite make it an exceptional piece. Unity of place and time for these four reliquaries, each of them in fact honors a Holy Roman Martyr, namely, Saint Bacchus, Saint Sergius, Saint Theodore and Saint Alexander.
The laurel wreath surrounding the large central medallion is the symbol of the martyrs.
Saint Serge and Bacchus of Rasafa are two Roman soldiers, said to be close to the Emperor Maximian. They refused to take part in a sacrifice in honor of the Roman gods and equally refused to renounce their Faith. They were both martyred. Saint Theodore Tiro, another Roman soldier, received the title of megalomartyr. Finally Saint Alexander is also a victim of the first centuries.
Each central relic is protected by six minor relics, also mainly Martyr Saints, all in a work of paper, pearls and silver thread. Three angels each protect these reliquaries, making twelve angels in total, suggesting that this series is complete.
On the back of these four numbered pieces are inviolate wax seals on which we find coats of arms presenting three drops of water and a crescent moon.
Dimensions of 122 cm high by 37 wide and 22 deep.
Our richly carved wooden monstrances have a beautiful gilding, partly with gold leaf. Pieces restored by our workshop in excellent condition - note a missing part of the crown for one of the monstrances.
A work probably Italian, around 1700.
This unity leads me to present to you this inseparable whole, true Glory to the first Christians, who often, at the risk of their lives, defended Christ and our then emerging religion .