Rare Antique Religious Italian Catholic Church Carta Gloria Altar Card Frame Set

A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century, most likely Parisian gilded bronze and brass ormolu work, exceptionally executed sculptural form, the exquisitely detailed architectural cathedral shaped case having a removable pointed steeple roof with cross finial, opening to relic display case surrounded on all sides by original glazed glass panes, stepped base, rising on disc feet. Signed, stamped by maker / bronzier "BC" (unknown) model "5096" and other faint marks to lid interiors. Additional photos available upon request Dimensions: (approx) 14.75" High, 6.75" Wide, 6.75" Deep; 13.25 lbs total History: A reliquary (also referred to as a shrine, by the French term châsse or monstrance) is a container for important religious relics. The earliest reliquaries were essentially boxes, either simply box-shaped or based on an architectural design, taking the form of a model of a church with a pitched roof. These latter are known by the French term chasse, and typical examples from the 12th to 14th century have wooden frameworks with gilt-copper plaques nailed on, decorated in champlevé enamel. Limoges was the largest production centre; NB the English usage differs from that of the French châsse, which denotes large size rather than shape. Relics of the True Cross became very popular from the 9th century onward and were housed in magnificent gold and silver cross-shaped reliquaries decorated with enamels and precious stones. From about the end of the 10th century, reliquaries in the shape of the relics they housed also became popular; hence, for instance, the skull of Pope Alexander I was housed in a head-shaped reliquary. Similarly, the bones of saints were often housed in reliquaries that recalled the shape of the original body part, such as an arm or a foot. A philatory is a transparent reliquary designed to contain and exhibit the bones and relics of saints. This style of reliquary has a viewing portal to view the relic inside. The feretrum was a medieval form of reliquary or shrine containing the sacred effigies and relics of a saint. During the later Middle Ages, the monstrance form, primarily used for consecrated hosts, was sometimes used for reliquaries. These housed the relic in a rock crystal, or glass capsule mounted on a column above a base, enabling the relic to be displayed to the faithful. Reliquaries in the form of large pieces of metalwork jewellery also appeared around this time, housing tiny relics such as pieces of the Holy Thorn, notably the Holy Thorn Reliquary now in the British Museum. Condition: Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinated - scattered oxidation. Overall wonderful examples. Typically reliquaries were not sold in pairs, so to find a matching pair such as this is exceptionally rare. Worldwide shipping available Local pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional: We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques love religious antiques, from Christian tabernacles, Catholic altarpiece, life-size Buddhist temple sculptures, Hindu votive offerings, 16th century Islamic mosque architectural salvaged windows...

A most impressive, large scale, museum exhibition quality Baroque period Italian Catholic church cartaglorie altar card frame, now repurposed and fashioned as a stunning mirror. Bo...

A magnificent rustic Spanish Colonial antique, circa 1725, church altar with remarkable patina and detailing. Hand-crafted in the first half of the 18th century, most likely commissioned by the Spanish Empire for use in a Colonial religious Mission, now fashioned with later antique elements and repurposed for use as a sideboard. The scarce Baroque period ecclesiastical architectural church altar presents with a raised gallery shelf back topped with a single board, over a massive, thick pine plank wooden slab top, featuring impressive rich patina, rustic charm and antique character. Mounted over the distinctive architectural trapezoid shaped molded base with rich hand carved and polychrome painted decoration, including the sophisticated original Italian / European inspired trompe-l'œil marbleizing finish, which was a variety of faux painting techniques used only by highly skilled artisans to create the distinctive and varied patterns of marble, in an effort to reproduce the colors, veining and luster of real marble or other building materials. Rising on solid supports enhanced with recessed paneling, smooth rounded corners and edge work and stepped molded trim. Beautiful, nicely aged patina over the whole, highly desirable heavily worn, naturally distressed, chippy paint craquelure finish that has been stabilized to minimize further loss, that does not detect from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the overall elegant warmth and rich historical depth, that can only be acquired over three centuries. Very strong, sturdy, stable. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, luminous polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use, and many more years of generational enjoyment. Dimensions: (approx) 37.25" High, 62" Wide, 27" Deep The large size, and substantial proportions, make this excellent for a variety of different uses, including as a distinctive buffet table or server, credenza, oversized console, farmhouse kitchen...

A rare antique Italian giltwood framed reliquary. 18th/19th century, hand carved giltwood frame housing an exceptional relief carving, d...

This original 18th century frame is gilded over copper. It is elaborately embossed and chiseled. The cartouche is surrounded by rocaille and volute motifs. The Carta is mounted on a wood backing and rests on two linear bases. It is very rare to find the original altar glory prayer still present inside. It explains the part of the Mass being performed. This is an extremely special museum piece for any ecclesiastical collection. Measurements: W 14 ½” x H 14” x D 1” Weight: 1 lb 8 oz  

For the collectors of rare and ready to use Gothic antiques. These beautiful and all handcrafted Gothic Revival picture frames with Biblical texts in Latin are an absolute joy to ow...

Great grouping of gold gilt frames from Italy. Can be used in a grouping as part of a gallery wall or certainly stand alone. For comparison on size, the largest frame measures 15.4...

Polished Brass Picture Frame with Decorative Trim, 19th Century