Large engraved copper gilt reliquary pendant, early 17th century

A large engraved copper gilt reliquary pendant.

French, early 17th century.

Measures 9.6 x 7 x 2.9cm (excluding loose bail).

Contemporary patinated bronze display stand included.

The large devotional pendant is extensively engraved throughout, its leaves turning like that of a book bearing glazed compartments containing relics, engraved images and a devotional miniature:

1 (front): Engraved with an image of the crucified Christ surrounded by the instruments of the Passion and surmounting a wounded sacred heart with the Virgin inside. A banderole at the base of the cross is engraved ‘SEMPER AGENS - SEMPER QUIETIS’ which roughly translates as ’ALWAYS ACTIVE - ALWAYS QUIET’. The sacred heart is engraved ‘INFORAMINIB 9 PETRAE ELEGIT EA TABERNACULU UT REQUIESCAT’ which roughly translates as ‘INFORAMINIB CHOOSES 9 STONES FOR THE TABERNACLE TO REST’.

2: Engraved emblem of Charity with the pelican in her piety sacrificing herself to save her young, with the inscriptions:

‘AMORE PERFECTO’ which roughly translates as ’PERFECT LOVE’

‘PER MORTE TUA VIVO’ which roughly translates as ’THROUGH YOUR DEATH I LIVE’

3: Reliquary paperolle with relics of the True Cross, St Agathe, St Thibaud, St Gregory, St. Francis de Sales, St. Fiacre, St. Therese, St. Petronilla etc.

4: A gouache miniature on vellum representing the Evangelist St. Matthew.

5: St. Teresa of Avila stands with an angel at her feet, rosary in hand. Inscription around verse 3 of Psalm 42:

‘SITIVIT ANIMA MEA AD DEVM FONTEM VIVUM QUANDO VENIAM ET APAREBO ANTEFACIEM DEI’ which roughly translates as ‘MY SOUL THIRSTED TO GOD THE LIVING FOUNTAIN WHEN I COME AND APPEAR BEFORE THE FACE OF GOD’.

6: Relics and paperolles under glass with some losses.

7: Engraved image of the Phoenixes rebirth from the flames with the inscription from the song of Solomon 8:6:

‘FORTIS UT MORS DILECTIO’ which roughly translates as ‘Love is as strong as death’

8 (back): St. Joseph and Our Lady of Sorrows at either side of a lectern with the Infant Jesus on a banner and surrounded by objects of the passion.