18

Reliquary cross in mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli and coral, Southern Italy, 18th - 19th century

Height x width: 36 x 24 cm. Weight: approx. 445 g.
Latin cross made entirely of mother-of-pearl, decorated in the centre with inlaid floral motifs. The terminals feature three male figures, probably three apostles, and a religious symbol that could represent the Holy Spirit.
In the centre is a relic, probably of the True Cross, considering the origin of cross-shaped reliquaries, which usually reflected the relic they contained. However, the frame that would have held it seems to be missing, while the protective glass is still present. One part that does not appear to be contemporary with the object, considering its age, is the blue rectangular opal placed in the centre of the long arm of the Latin cross.
The cross rests on a lapis lazuli base, set in a copper frame worked with openwork and filigree, decorated with cylinders of red Mediterranean coral (Corallum Rubrum) and turquoise.
The use of lapis lazuli, coral and turquoises, together with mother-of-pearl inlays, recalls the style of Baroque religious art, particularly popular in Spain and the South American colonies during the 18th and 19th centuries.
23/01/2025 13:45:28
Lot closes
1g -24h 0m 0s
Time left
€ 600,00 / 800,00
Estimate
200,00 €
Starting price
 €
Your bid
(The reserve price has not been exceeded) (The reserve price has been exceeded)
Set your maximum bid
  EUR
Offer
Live auction 327

Curiosities from European and Oriental art
Silvers, Ivories, Corals, Icons, and Wunderkammer

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, tue 25 February 2025
FIRST SESSION    25/02/2025   Hours 12:00 pm  
Lots 1/167
SECOND SESSION    25/02/2025   Hours 04:00 pm  
Lots 168/346