Reliquary Chapel - 19th Century

Large reliquary chapel – martyr’s bone – 18th/19th century – Catholic Europe (probably Italy or Belgium)Exceptional presentation reliquary chapel, in neo-Gothic style, containing a long human bone, presented as a relic of a holy martyr. The bone is sealed with two red wax seals, traditional in ecclesiastical reliquaries to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of the relic.Description:The whole is housed in an elegant Gothic niche in black and gilded painted wood, surmounted by two turned pinnacles, and closed by curved glass. The bottom of the display case is covered with a crimson cloth embroidered with golden stars, symbolizing heaven or the heavenly glory of the martyrs. At the base, a frieze painted in golden letters clearly indicates the origin of the contents: “RELIQUIÆ SS. MARTYRUM” (translation: Relic of the Holy Martyrs). The back opens with a small hinge. Dimensions: 54 cm x 24 cm x 13 cm deep Condition: Very good overall condition for its age. Wear from use, small cracks and old patina, display case intact. A piece of great rarity and strong visual impact. This type of reliquary was intended for public display in churches, chapels or private oratories. It is an object of worship as well as a sacred decorative element, emblematic of Catholic devotion to the martyrs.