Large Reliquary Altarpiece And Its Predella, Italy Circa 1675

A remarkable Italian work from the end of the 17th century. Altarpiece and predella are here composed of 15 independent reliquary alcoves which complete a large central niche. In the center, in this main niche, is a rococo decoration, undoubtedly in stuccoed and gilded wood, in which we find a representation of the Virgin and two painted portraits including that of Saint Paul recognizable by the Pallium around his neck. Adjoining this assembly are 15 niches decorated with cannetilles of gold thread and glass beads.
They offer 43 distinct relics. These include, in particular, a thorn from the Crown of Christ, and relics of Saint Anna Virgin and Martyr, as well as fragments of Saints Benigni, Bonitaci, Andrew the Apostle, John, Donici, Dorothy, Prosper, Victor, Society of Saint Ursula, Valeri but also Saints Liberati, Concord, Deodati, Félicis, Amant, Aurélie, Vincent…
Ten of our niches present Agnus Dei, sacramental wax medallions. One of them, clearly legible, bears the effigy of Clement X, who was pope from 1670 to 1676, the period to which we attribute this beautiful piece.
The central reliquary of the predella slides. It conceals three drawers in which the authentic copies of all the relics presented were once located. Finally, the altarpiece is topped with a representation in gilded wood and in the round of what could be the Holy Trinity, in the clouds.

Large dimensions of 122 cm high, 85 cm wide and 12 cm deep.
A piece in good condition despite some cracks on the wood.