Antique Reliquary - Polychrome wood - 1750-1800 - Bishop bust reliquary - 86 cm

Episcopal bust-reliquary (1) in carved wood, lacquered and polychrome – Italy, 18th century Important (86 cm) Italian bust-reliquary from the 18th century, depicting a saint bishop wearing the mitre and clothed in his pontifical garments. Made of carved wood, lacquered and polychromed, the figure stands out for a particularly decorative execution. The bearded face, treated with gravity, is topped by a high mitre enriched with colored elements imitating cabochons and precious stones. The cope features a remarkable raised decoration of scrolls and vegetal motifs, highlighted with metallic tones and punctuated by green cabochons. At the center of the chest there is a prominent circular reliquary cavity, integrated into a carved, volute-framed surround. The bust rests on an architecturally styled base with scrolling, adorned in its center with a winged cherub head. The reverse, deliberately more sober and left largely undecorated, presents a wide reliquary cavity carved into the wood, currently devoid of its original closing flap, revealing the interior of the reliquary space. The work is part of the Italian Baroque tradition of bust-reliquaries, particularly developed in the 17th and 18th centuries for the decoration of churches, chapels and sacristies. Condition The surface preserves a very beautiful old presence, with wear, gaps and alterations of polychromy and lacquer, perfectly visible in the photographs and consistent with its age. These marks of time contribute to the character and authenticity of the piece. The photographs are an integral part of the description of the objects and complete its presentation. Please examine them carefully before any commitment. The item will be carefully packed and shipped with a tracking number, in order to guarantee fast and secure delivery. Happy bidding

Estimate:£3,473.61

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