Rare Silver Reliquary Arm With Relic Bone

A rare silver reliquary arm with relic
17th century; probably Naples, Italy
Silver; 54 cm (h)

The whole hammered, on a square plinth with a flat base intricately worked with an elaborate floral motif. The compellingly shaped sleeve features a central ovular window displaying a relic bone while the finely articulated hand presents the gesture of blessing, pointing to God above.

​The care given in shaping this reliquary, formed in precious metal, is evident in the careful chasing by which the silversmith rendered its finest details: notably the embroidered cuff of the sleeve and finely worked base with its rope-moulded borders.

An engraved cartouche along the base of the reliquary features the arms of Cosme Roger (1671-1710) who served as Bishop of Lombez in France during the late 17th and early 18th century.

Provenance:
- Private collection, Ibiza (since 1980’s)
- Private collection, Brussels (2019)
- Private collection, the Netherlands (2019)

Note: Includes an Artloss certificate stating the legitimacy of the object.