Nevers Spun Glass - Reliquary - Reliquary Hunting, Sainte Barbe, Sainte Colombe - France

Period: Second half of the 18th century Origin: France, Nevers Magnificent reliquary chase in gilded wood, wax, paperolle and spun glass from Nevers, featuring a delicate and meticulously crafted composition. This unique piece, imbued with spirituality, is composed of a central figurine and a meticulous decoration, embellished with precious relics and floral elements typical of devotional productions from Nevers in the 18th century. Description and characteristics: • Central composition: A female figurine in elegant attire, dressed in silver thread, holding a cross in her hand. This representation probably embodies a young saint or an allegory of the Christian faith. Her silver thread clothing is finely worked, testifying to the attention paid to detail by the artisans of the time. • Floral decoration and staging: The interior is richly decorated with flowers made of paper, fabric and natural materials, accompanied by delicate subjects in spun glass. Among these scenes, a man and a bird evoke Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82-1226), founder of the Franciscan order, is famous for his love of nature and animals. One of the most emblematic stories tells how he preached to the birds, telling them about God's love. According to the stories, the birds listened attentively before flying away, as if they understood his message. This scene, often depicted in Christian art, illustrates the deep connection between Saint Francis and divine creation. • Relics: The hunt contains four large relics, preserved in embroidered cushions and decorated with handwritten inscriptions. These are fragments "ex Ossibus" (from the bones) of the following saints: • Saint Blaise: Protector of throat diseases and domestic animals, venerated for his benevolence. • Saint Victoire: Christian martyr, symbolizing the triumph of faith in the face of persecution. • Saint Barbara: Protector against lightning and fire, invoked by miners and artillerymen. • Saint Colombe: Christian martyr, known for her piety and martyrdom for the faith. • Glass and frame: The chasse is protected by period octagonal-shaped glasses, held by a patinated gilded wood structure. This design underlines the authentic and refined character of the work. Condition: This piece is in very good condition for its age. It retains a period patina that adds to its authenticity and charm. Some signs of wear on the gilded frame and internal elements slightly altered by time, but this in no way alters its beauty or historical value. Dimensions: Height: 36.5 cm Width: 24 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!