Hunting Of The Saint Ursula Society Of Cologne - Late 18th Century

A beautiful receptacle resting on four ball feet, honors a distinguished relic of the Saint Ursula society, from which it emanates a certain softness and serenity. In painted and gilded wood, on a bed of roses and carnations, it houses a leader of the eleven thousand Virgins of the company of Saint Ursula. The latter is surrounded by a crown of flowers in tender pastel colors.
On the back, attesting to the sacredness of this relic, are nine wax seals. Six of them represent two keys of Saint Peter placed in a saltire and surmounted by a tiara with the papal inscription: “servus servorum Dei tu es Petrus”.
This is the official seal of the Vatican, giving additional spiritual value to this remarkable piece.
The three central ones are older and bear the arms of a bishop. Dimensions of 38 cm wide by 40 cm high by 27 cm deep. Relics given with the reliquary