An extraordinary and highly collectible 19th-century French Catholic multi-relic reliquary (theca) frame, dating to the Napoleon III period. This museum-quality piece features nine individual holy relics of saints and martyrs exquisitely mounted on a vibrant crimson silk backing.
The interior is a masterful showcase of paperolles (intricate rolled-paper quilling) and gilt wire ornamentation, housing individual hand-cut paper label cedulas. The central arrangement includes a miniature gold-tone fleur-de-lis motif surrounded by symmetrical diamond-shaped relic displays. Encased under its original curved glass, the reliquary sits in its authentic, ebonized oval wooden frame with classic beaded border detailing.
Identified Saints & Martyrs (Cedulas):
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S. F. Regis (St. John Francis Regis)
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S. Maxie. m. (St. Maxima/Maximus, Martyr)
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S. Bénigne, m. (St. Benignus of Dijon, Martyr)
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S. Basile, m. (St. Basil, Martyr)
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S. Urbain, m. (St. Urban, Martyr)
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S. Aurèle, m. (St. Aurelius, Martyr)
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S. Clément, m. (St. Clement, Martyr)
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S. Justine, m. (St. Justina, Martyr)
- Ste. Chantal (St. Jane Frances de Chantal)
Excellent antique condition consistent with age. The interior paperolles work, and silk backing remain vibrant with minimal fading. The relics and text cedulas are firmly intact. The original ebonized frame shows a beautiful, genuine aged patina with minor surface wear.
This is an exceptional find for collectors of sacred art, ecclesiastical antiques, or Victorian-era memento mori.
Note: As with most estate-found antique reliquaries, official paper certificates (authentics) are no longer present.
