Antique 1700's Italian Convent Work Framed Reliquary

An extraordinary,hand made frame, it is covered in fine pale peach silk damask which gives an ethereal surrounding to the hand colored engraving. It dates towards 1780; purchased in France but made in Spain.

This type of reliquary was fashioned by sisters within the cloister with the use of bits and pieces of clothing and books (donated though a barred window of the convent...the pieces were cut apart and used for many artistic purposes. The background frame is of hard paper board (covered with hand printed paper of the era on the back and pale creme colored silk on the front. The inner frame is fashioned from paper board which has been steamed to curve. The silk damask has a beautiful leaf pattern The metallic trims are of silver.

The center window has an exquisite engraving (hand colored with gouache) depicting the Madonna and Christ Child. They stand on clouds as cherubs surround their feet. There is an inscription under the clouds in Spanish. The padded frame indicates that a relic or relics may be inside...this was often done in this particular era within convent work. The engraving is sealed under a thick piece of glass.

It measures:8 1/4" x 10 1/4", 2" thick. The window measures: 5 1/2" x 3 3/8". It is in antique condition: the silk is frayed and worn as expected. The metallic trim is frayed. The corner silk mounts are worn to paper boards; the engraving is preserved in a fresh state, the glass with no chips or cracks.

It is one of the loveliest convent works that we have presented within our shop.