Piece in preparation

HISTORICAL-CRITICAL REPORT OF THE WORK

IDENTIFICATION DATA

Type: Multiple reliquary in an oval theca (portable/chapel use)

Subject: Bone fragments (ex ossibus) of the Twelve Apostles, Saint Paul Apostle of the Gentiles, and Evangelists.

Period: Late 18th century - Early 19th century (circa 1780 - 1820)

Origin: Apulia, Italy – From a local historical chapel.

PHYSICAL AND STRUCTURAL DATA

Height: 10.0 cm

Width: 8.0 cm

Weight: 200 g

Materials: Frame and counter-cover in metal alloy (silver-plated brass/copper), antique glass, green and red fabric/paper backing, handwritten paper cartouches, stamped and gilt metal decorative elements, red silk threads, ecclesiastical sealing wax seal.

ARTISTIC AND ICONOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION

Front (The Theca)

Encased within a solid oval metal mount fitted with an apical hanging ring. Underneath the original period glass, the composition is set against an emerald green fabric background, embellished with a geometric diamond pattern in red paired with gilt metal rosettes.

At the center, a gilt oval foliate wreath, tied at the bottom with a bow, frames the relics of the foundational figures of the Catholic Church. The Latin handwritten iron gall ink cartouches clearly read:

Center: S. Petri Princ. Ap. (Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles) and S. Pauli Ap. Gent. (Saint Paul Apostle of the Gentiles), surrounded by J. Joan Evang (Saint John the Evangelist) and other fragments.

Perimeter: Relics of the other members of the Apostolic College, including S. Matthei (Saint Matthew), S. Thaddi (Saint Thaddeus), S. Thomae (Saint Thomas), S. Andreae (Saint Andrew), and S. Barthol. (Saint Bartholomew).

Back (Authentication)

The back preserves the primary element of authenticity and integrity. The theca is sealed with crossed red silk threads, secured at the center by an official red sealing wax seal placed on a pink paper base cut in the shape of a six-petaled flower. The matrix impression displays the heraldic coat of arms of a Bishop, identifiable by the prelate's hat (galero) surmounting the shield, with 6 tassels per side arranged in three rows (1, 2, 3).

The piece includes a removable metal counter-cover (totaling 200g in weight) which served to protect the seal and wax against wear.

The episcopal coat of arms with 6 tassels indicates authenticating by a Bishop in office between the late 18th and early 19th century. In style and manufacture, the work aligns with the episcopates of the period.

The theca likely served as the devotional focus for the altar of a private noble chapel or an urban confraternity in Oria.

CONDITION AND VALUE

Excellent state of conservation. The internal composition is secure, cartouches are legible, and the glass is intact. The exterior metal shows an age patina. The complete integrity of the silk threads and the unviolated sealing wax seal enhance the historical and collector value.