17th Century Sterling Silver Reliquary, 1650s

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A refined and devotional 17th-century sterling silver reliquary featuring a delicate reverse glass painting of the Virgin Mary. This exquisite … Read more A refined and devotional 17th-century sterling silver reliquary featuring a delicate reverse glass painting of the Virgin Mary. This exquisite piece exemplifies the skill and spiritual sensitivity of Baroque ecclesiastical art. The image—rendered with striking detail and depth using the prized reverse glass painting technique—captures the Virgin Mary in a serene, contemplative pose, set against a subtly painted landscape. Encased in a hand-worked sterling silver frame with finely molded and serrated edges, the reliquary was likely intended for private devotion or use in a convent setting. The silver frame features foliate-inspired details and a suspension loop, suggesting it may have been worn as a pendant or hung within a personal oratory. Period: 17th Century Origin: Likely Continental Europe Material: Sterling silver, hand-painted glass Technique: Reverse glass painting (verso painting) Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 1 cm (2.36 x 1.57 x 0.4 in) Condition: Very good; minor surface wear consistent with age, glass and painting well preserved Decoration: Baroque silverwork with decorative border and loop for suspension A rare devotional artifact with exceptional artistic and historical merit, ideal for collectors of sacred art, ecclesiastical antiques, or museum-quality Baroque religious objects. See less