17th/18 th C. Spanish Silver Double-Sided Silver Devotional Reliquary Pendant

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Description

Spanish Double-Sided Silver Devotional Reliquary Pendant with Saint Christopher and the Virgen de la Paloma
Late 17th–Early 18th Century

A … Read more Spanish Double-Sided Silver Devotional Reliquary Pendant with Saint Christopher and the Virgen de la Paloma
Late 17th–Early 18th Century

A finely crafted Spanish Catholic devotional reliquary pendant dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, featuring hand-painted religious miniatures beneath beveled glass within a hand-fabricated silver mount. Oval in form, the pendant is suspended from an integral loop and surrounded by a textured silver bezel that reflects the work of a provincial silversmith.

The obverse depicts Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child, one of Christianity's most beloved protector saints. According to tradition, Saint Christopher carried the Christ Child across a dangerous river, symbolizing faith, protection, and safe passage. He was widely invoked by travelers, pilgrims, and soldiers, making his image one of the most popular subjects for portable devotional objects throughout Spain and Italy.

The reverse portrays the Virgen de la Paloma (Virgin of the Dove), one of Madrid's most venerated Marian advocations. Recognizable by her bowed head, radiant halo, black mantle, white veil, and folded hands, the Virgin of the Dove became an important object of devotion in Spain during the late eighteenth century. Her serene image represents compassion, humility, and maternal intercession.

Constructed with hand-painted miniatures protected beneath domed glass, this pendant exemplifies the intimate devotional objects carried by clergy and lay worshippers alike. Whether containing relics or created as a devotional keepsake, such pendants were treasured as expressions of personal faith and spiritual protection.

Rich in religious symbolism and exhibiting the honest craftsmanship of the period, this handsome Spanish devotional pendant offers collectors an authentic example of late Baroque Catholic artistry and the enduring tradition of portable sacred objects.

Condition: Presents beautifully with an authentic devotional patina acquired over centuries of use. The hand-painted miniatures remain well preserved beneath their original convex beveled glass. The silver mount exhibits scattered edge losses, minor wear, and small areas of separation consistent with age and handling; however, the pendant remains structurally sound, stable, and displays exceptionally well. The wear contributes to its genuine antique character and does not detract from its visual or historical appeal.

Dimensions: 1.75 in. high × 1 in. wide. See less