Antique Silver Reliquary with Relics of the 12 Apostles and Jesus, 18th-19th Century

Antique Silver Reliquary with the Twelve Apostles and Jesus, 18th-19th Century

Extraordinary antique multiple silver reliquary, prudently dated between the 18th and 19th centuries, with a devotional ensemble of great rarity: the relics of the Twelve Apostles and, in the centre, a cross with two splinters that very probably represent Jesus through a possible relic of the True Cross. This is a particularly interesting piece within sacred art, not only because of its age and its silver case, but also because of the spiritual strength of its composition. Reliquaries dedicated to the complete apostolic college are not frequent, and even less so when the centre is occupied by a cross that visually and devotionally reinforces the presence of Christ.

The case is oval, made of silver, with a glass front and a reverse also glazed. The outer border presents a finely worked decoration, with relief and braided-looking profiles that frame the ensemble with great presence. Inside, the relics are arranged on a red textile background, each one within small circular medallions decorated with metallic thread. The labels are handwritten with a pen nib or quill, a detail that adds much authenticity and helps to place the piece in an antique chronology, possibly between the 18th and 19th centuries. The central composition, with gilded filigree and cross, gives balance to the ensemble and concentrates the gaze on the main symbol of the Christian faith.


Relics it contains:


1. - S. Petri A. - Saint Peter the Apostle: He was called by Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee, when he was working as a fisherman with his brother Andrew. He preached in Judea, Antioch and finally Rome. According to tradition, he died as a martyr in Rome around the year 64, crucified upside down.

2. - S. Pauli A. - Saint Paul the Apostle: He did not belong to the group of the Twelve, but was converted after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. He preached throughout Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia and Rome. According to tradition, he died as a martyr in Rome around the year 67, beheaded.

3. - S. Andreae A. - Saint Andrew the Apostle: Brother of Saint Peter, he was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. Tradition places him preaching in Greece, Scythia and regions of the Black Sea. He died as a martyr in Patras, crucified on an X-shaped cross.

4. - S. Jac. Maj. A. - Saint James the Greater, Apostle: Son of Zebedee and brother of Saint John, he was called by Jesus while fishing in Galilee. Tradition links him with preaching in Hispania. He died as a martyr in Jerusalem around the year 44, beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa.

5. - S. Joann. A. E. - Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist: Brother of James the Greater, he was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. He preached in Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus, and tradition attributes the fourth Gospel to him. He died in old age, probably in Ephesus, without bloody martyrdom.

6. - S. Philippi A. - Saint Philip the Apostle: He was called by Jesus in the early moments of His public life and appears linked to Bethsaida. According to tradition, he preached in Phrygia and other regions of Asia Minor. He died as a martyr, probably in Hierapolis, crucified or stoned according to different traditions.

7. - S. Barthol. A. - Saint Bartholomew the Apostle: Often identified with Nathanael, he was introduced to Jesus by Philip. Tradition places him preaching in Armenia, Mesopotamia, Persia or India. He died as a martyr, traditionally flayed alive and then beheaded.

8. - S. Thomae A. - Saint Thomas the Apostle: He was one of the Twelve and is remembered for his initial disbelief in the Resurrection. Tradition states that he preached in Persia and reached India. He died as a martyr in Mylapore, near Chennai, pierced by spears.

9. - S. Matthaei A. E. - Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist: He was a tax collector and was called by Jesus from his place of work. Tradition places him preaching in Judea, Ethiopia or Persia, depending on the sources. His end is uncertain, although many traditions consider him a martyr.

10. - S. Jac. Min. A. - Saint James the Less, Apostle: He was one of the Twelve and is usually identified with James son of Alphaeus. Christian tradition links him with Jerusalem and the first Christian community. According to an ancient tradition, he died as a martyr, thrown from the Temple and then beaten to death.

11. - S. Thaddaei A. - Saint Jude Thaddeus the Apostle: He was one of the Twelve, distinct from Judas Iscariot. According to tradition, he preached in Syria, Mesopotamia and Persia, often together with Saint Simon. He died as a martyr, traditionally beaten with a club or axe.

12. - S. Simonis A. - Saint Simon the Apostle: Known as Simon the Zealot, he formed part of the group of the Twelve. Tradition places him preaching in Egypt, Persia or Mesopotamia, sometimes together with Jude Thaddeus. He died as a martyr, according to different versions, sawn in two or executed in Persia.

13. - No visible label - Possible relic of the True Cross: In the centre of the reliquary there is a small cross preserving two splinters or wooden fragments. Due to its arrangement and prominence within the ensemble, it could be a relic of the True Cross.


The reverse preserves the old closure by means of interlaced threads, joined by a red episcopal wax seal. The seal is present and adds fundamental value to the ensemble, although it is not possible to identify with certainty the specific authority to which it belongs. The glazed back allows the internal structure, the red textile, the closing threads and the wax seal to be seen, reinforcing the impression of an antique piece preserved in its original devotional mounting.

The general condition is good for its age. It presents logical wear, patina, darkening, small signs of use on the silver, old stains on the textile and visible ageing on the labels, all coherent with a devotional piece from the 18th-19th centuries. The important point is that it preserves its religious reading, its structure, the handwritten labels, the glasses and the rear seal.

Few devotional pieces concentrate such a direct symbolic charge as this reliquary. The joint presence of the Twelve Apostles and Christ, represented by the central cross, creates a deeply Christian, intimate and powerful composition. It is a reliquary that is not only contemplated as an antique, but also invites veneration and recollection, recalling the very foundation of the Church and the continuity of the apostolic faith. Its appeal lies precisely in that union of beauty, content and meaning: an antique, complete piece with true spiritual strength, ideal for anyone seeking a reliquary capable of occupying a special place in a sacred art collection or in a personal space of devotion.

Measurements: Height 7.3 cm (2.87 in). Width 6.3 cm (2.48 in).