Antique French Neo-Baroque reliquary with four sealed relics, Visitation of Annecy, ca. 1870–1920
Antique French Neo-Baroque reliquary with four sealed relics, Visitation of Annecy, ca. 1870–1920
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Antique French Neo-Baroque style reliquary containing four relics, featuring an oval mount with beaded ornamentation and a border of faceted red elements set in prongs, surrounding a convex transparent cover. Inside, four handwritten phylacteries identify the relics of Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Saint Valentine, and Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque. The reverse retains the red wax seal of the Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary in Annecy, France, with the IHS monogram.
The Order of the Visitation was founded in Annecy in 1610 by Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, whose relics are historically linked to this city. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun of the same order and a prominent figure in the devotion to the Sacred Heart, was beatified in 1864 and canonized in 1920. Her identification as "Blessed" is consistent with a dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The Neo-Baroque ornamental composition and the monastic seal place this reliquary within the French tradition of religious objects intended for private devotion.
- Style: French Neo-Baroque.
- Decoration/Motif: Oval mount, beaded ornamentation, border of faceted red-pink elements, and four relics identified by handwritten phylacteries.
- Period/Dating: Last third of the 19th century – early 20th century, ca. 1870–1920.
- Origin: France. Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary in Annecy, identified by wax seal.
- Tested: Not applicable.
- Materials: Gilt metal, faceted red elements, convex transparent cover, textile backing, paper, cords, and wax.
- Seals/Hallmarks: Red wax seal with the inscription of the Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary in Annecy and the IHS monogram. Two metal marks on the reverse: an "L" in a quadrangular cartouche and another "L" accompanied by a symbol resembling a rudder. Manufacturer unidentified.
- Dimensions: 6.2 × 5.3 cm.
- Weight: 37.47 g.
These items are not new; they show signs of wear and may have scratches and imperfections consistent with their age and use. Please examine the photos carefully. We offer an accurate description; if you need to confirm a detail, please write to us before purchasing.
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