Neogothic Reliquary, XIXth c.

Antique reliquary made of golden bronze and colorful hand-painted stained glass. This beautiful religious piece of metalwork dates from the end of the 19th century, circa 1870. The reliquary is highly remarkable because of its elegant manufacture and good condition. The golden bronze is well preserved, shiny and polished. The decoration of the article is also notable, with the classic neo-Gothic style typical from the time when it was made. The main part of the reliquary is canopy-shaped and is adorned with traceries in a neo-Gothic style, which remind us of the details which appear in medieval cathedral and altarpieces. At the front of the piece we can see a receptacle covered by a red fabric and closed by a glass capsule. It contains a label with this inscription: S. Jac. M. Ap. This stands for Saint Iacobus the Older, the son of Zebedeo and an apostle of Jesus Christ. The receptacle is in good condition and the glass is intact, with no cracks or dents. The relic was kept into the main body of the reliquary, the part with the stained glass and the cover. The hand-painted stained glass windows are precisely one of the most attractive and curious features of this reliquary. They depict Jesus Christs twelve apostles. The paint is slightly worn in some of the figures, but some others are almost complete. The colors can be well appreciated and the skilful artist`s work is still remarkable. Every corner has a delicate bronze sculpture: a figure in an attitude of prayer, while the cover is crowned by a charming bronze angel who holds a table with his left hand. This reliquary is a great piece of metalwork and also a rare and fine antique. It will surely be the center of attention in any place, by itself or as part of the best collection of sacred art. Measurements: 120 mm width x 300 mm height.