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A rare and precious oval devotional reliquary dating from the 18th century, preserved in its original hinged mount. Both sides feature remarkable hand-painted enamel miniatures. The obverse depicts Saint Peter—identifiable by his keys and the rooster, the symbol of his denial—in a composition of great refinement. The reverse shows Saint Anne instructing the Virgin Mary—a traditional subject known as "The Education of the Virgin"—rendered with a delicate color palette and high-quality draftsmanship. The interior retains its exceptional original arrangement, featuring *paperolles* decoration made of rolled, cut, and gilded paper, embellished with floral and foliate motifs. The upper section still contains a handwritten Latin *cedula* (identification label), partially legible ("S. MAMIL..."), which likely accompanied the relic still held in its antique setting. The lower section is adorned with an elegant Marian monogram, reflecting the rich symbolism of this devotional object. The piece possesses a wonderful sense of authenticity. The enamels are remarkably well-preserved, and the interior decoration—despite minor losses due to age—remains remarkably fresh and of exceptional interest. Signs of use and slight oxidation on the mount are consistent with its age and contribute to the piece's charm. With the quality of its enamels, the preservation of its interior decoration, and the presence of its handwritten *cedula*, this reliquary stands as a rare example of 18th-century private devotional art. Pieces combining these characteristics are rarely found on the market today. Dimensions: 6.5 × 4.5 cm.
Ref: 6GB231GWBN
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Cup carrier, Fon, Benin
650 € EUR
