Impressive Spanish Solid Silver Reliquary. XIX Century. With Contrasts and Reliquary.

Impressive and antique Spanish reliquary made of solid silver. It is an exclusive piece with hallmarks made in the 19th century. This magnificent example of sacred art contains a relic in its upper receptacle; it comes with a paper label with the name San Juan (Saint John) written with an elegant calligraphy. The reliquary is dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist, and his symbol (the eagle) is engraved in the base. The whole piece is profusely hand-engraved with different symbols and inscriptions, and has come to our days in excellent condition. The upper part is cross-shaped and in the center it has a receptacle which houses the relic, protected by a glass. The upper arm of the cross bears an engraved motive with a scimitar and a torch entwined by a band with the inscription INRI. The side arms also bear engraved motives: a hammer and a pair of pliers, and two pieces which look like scourges. The reliquary is full of symbols which embellish all its parts: in the central pillar there is another group of objects with a ladder, a spear and a bugle. The arms ends are decorated with beautiful putti (angels heads). The base of the reliquary is also wonderfully engraved with different motives: a crowned eagle (symbolizing Saint John the Evangelist), the Holy Shroud and some images related with Eucharist, such as bunches of grapes and wheat stalks. On the base we can also see the silversmiths hallmarks; among them there is one in which we can clearly read the inscription A. COMAS. Another curious detail is the piece of printed paper hidden into the receptacles door, probably a piece of an antique newspaper. The great artistic value of this reliquary and the noble material it is made of make up an item of a very high level, worthy of the best collection. Measurements: 230 mm width x 460 mm height.