18th Cent. Obelisk Reliquary 3 First Class Relics St. Henricus, Agnus Dei…
Description:
18th Century German baroque obelisk reliquary with silver and gilt thread monastery work holding the first-class Holy Relics of:
Saint Henry - Bishop, missionary, martyr
Agnus Dei
Saint Ilegible
Reliquary description
Exquisite Baroque reliquary from the XVIII Century. It really stands out due to its beautiful combination of gold, silver and silk German fine embroidery which resembles an elaborate rocaille and floral ornamentation, typical monastery work of the period in South Germany, surrounding the holy relics which rest on a gold leaf background.
Saint Henry’s history
Henry (Finnish: Henrik; Swedish: Henrik; Latin: Henricus; died c. 20 January 1156) was a medieval English clergyman. He came to Sweden with Cardinal Nicholas Breakspeare in 1153 and was most likely designated to be the new Archbishop of Uppsala, but the independent church province of Sweden could only be established in 1164 after the civil war, and Henry would have been sent to organize the Church in Finland, where Christians had already existed for two centuries.
According to legend, he entered Finland together with King Saint Eric of Sweden and died as a martyr, becoming a central figure in the local Catholic Church. However, the authenticity of the accounts of his life and ministry are widely disputed and there are no historical records of his birth, existence or death.
Together with his alleged murderer, peasant Lalli, Henry is an important figure in the early history of Finland. His feast is celebrated by the majority Lutheran Church of Finland, as well as by the Catholic Church of Finland. He is commemorated in the liturgical calendars of several Lutheran and Anglican churches.
Agnus Dei’s history
The name Agnus Dei has been given to certain discs of wax impressed with the figure of a lamb and blessed at stated seasons by the Pope. They are sometimes round, sometimes oval in diameter. The lamb usually bears a cross or flag, while figures of saints or the name and arms of the Pope are also commonly impressed on the reverse. These Agnus Deis may be worn suspended round the neck, or they may be preserved as objects of devotion. In virtue of the consecration they receive, they are regarded, like holy water, blessed palms, etc., as "Sacramentals".
Condition
Good overall condition. Wear and tear as expected. one of the relics is hardly legible.
Measurements
50 cms x 30 cms x 4 cms
Provenance
German private collection----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Please note that we only sell the containers of our relics, the Holy Relics are given free in accordance with canon law.
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