18/19th c. San Antonio de Padua and Christ Child Relicario

This is a rare oil on mother of pearl relicario from South America. The painting is beautifully rendered on nacre, or mother of pearl, a treasured medium for 18th and 19th century religious art in the Spanish colonies. The oil painting is skillfully done on the curved surface of the nacre with the opalescence showing through in the background. The depiction of San Antonio and the Christ Child is exquisite and truly the photos do not do it justice. The shell is set in sterling and the back of the relicario bears the beautiful script initials of the owner. This is a true treasure that is rarely seen outside of museums!

Measurement: 2 3/4" including bale, image is approx. 2" high.

SOLD