Antique Italian Double Face Silver Filigree Monastery Work Reliquary Pendentive

An exquisite hand painted (monastery), double face silver filagree work; it originates from the south of Italy and dates circa 1880. The beautiful portraits of Italian Saints Catherine of Siena and Saint Bessus are placed under thick, hand cut glass. This pendentive reliquary form was popular in both Italy and France at the end of the 19th century. It was worn on either a ribbon or chain.

The silver "thread" filagree consists of sets of scrolls which has been soldered together to form a diamond shaped "box". The two portraits have been set under hand beveled glass which is sealed into place by a hand cut silver band. The images are exquisitely painted with expressions of devotion and love of Christ. The colors still remain brilliant and the details are sharp and clear. The portraits would have been painted within the monastery and sent to a silversmith for the construction of the reliquary box.

It measures: 2 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 3/8" thick. Each portrait measures 1 3/8" x 1". It is in very good condition with light tarnish. The portraits are intact with clear details and colors. The form is intact and sturdy.

It is a precious double face reliquary.