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An important part of Christian practices, reliquaries were originally used to help divide and distribute the bodies of saints upon their passing.
Also referred to as a shrine, reliquaries house purported or actual physical remains of saints, which could be fragments of bones, clothing or other objects associated with a particular saint. It is believed that these relics could harbor the healing and protective powers of the patron saint.
Designed with portability in mind, these casket-like vessels range in size, shape and ornateness and were often prominently displayed in churches or paraded through town on holy days.
This particular piece hails from the early 1600s. It features pierced silver gilt backed in red velvet in a Spanish Colonial design.
On one side there is a verre églomisé paining of St. John the Baptist -- the patron saint of baptism, godparents and epilepsy (among other things) and who was famously beheaded and then served on a platter to Solome.
The other side of the reliquary is where the surprises begin. Unlike a similar reliquary housed in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, which has a verre églomisé painting of the Virgin Mary on the other side, this particular piece has a photograph of an unidentified WWI soldier, who we believe is William J. Blackman.
However, it's what's behind the photo that is most surprising!
The original relic has been removed and replaced with a 1926 baby photo of Jackson Farr Blackman of Chestnut Hill, (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania and his perfectly preserved umbilical cord.
How and why this came to be, we will never know, but talk about a cool piece!
Additional Details
Date: Early 1600s, 1910s, 1920s
Materials: Silver, Velvet, Glass, Paint, Paper, Umbilical Cord
Measurements: 2" x 5/8" x 2 5/8"
Markings: None
Condition: Good
This piece was most likely gold gilt at one point, however the gilt has rubbed off. The red velvet interior has lost most of its flocking. The verre églomisé has some paint loss. However, for being over 400 years old and not living in a museum, this piece is in INCREDIBLE shape.
Cleaning and Care
We would recommend that you do not attempt to clean this piece. A gently wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth if needed should be the most that is done.
