Antique Relic - Silk

This image depicts the Veil of Veronica, also known as the Holy Face, one of the most significant relics of Christianity. The work presented is a silk fabric print from the late eighteenth century, the so-called “contact relic,” meaning it was touched directly to the original kept in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican to acquire its spiritual value. The face of Jesus Christ is imprinted on the veil with which, according to tradition, Saint Veronica dried his brow during the ascent to Calvary. The piece bears the Latin inscription at the bottom (not fully legible here) stating: “Vera Effigies Sacri Vultus Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, quae Romae in Sacrosancta Basilica S. Petri in Vaticano religiosissime asservatur et colitur.” Translated, it means that the image is a true representation of the Sacred Face kept and venerated with the utmost devotion at Saint Peter’s. In the lower left corner the red wax seal, typical of the authentications provided by the Canons of the Vatican Basilica, is still visible. The image is enclosed in a contemporaneous carved and gilded wooden frame. On the back, in elegant old script, is written: “L’autentica di questo S.S. Sudario sta fra il vetro e la Carta.” This inscription is typical of the reverse side of frames that housed a relic, as in this case, where the author of the inscription specifies where to find the certificate of authenticity for the object contained in the frame. To preserve important documents these were inserted directly into the assembly between the paper support and the protective glass, indicating that the object is considered sacred, as in this case. In fact the certificate of authenticity is present and perfectly legible (see photo), and the original red wax seal of the canon is still present. The text is in Latin and translated it states: THE CANON OF THE SACROSANCT BASILICA OF THE PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES IN ROME “To all who read this letter I bear witness and certify that I have reverently placed the Image of the Face of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, made in likeness of the Holy Sudarium of Veronica, printed on pink silk fabric (height [omitted] and width [omitted]), with the same Sudarium, as well as the Wood of the Life-giving Cross and the tip of the Lord’s Spear, which in our aforementioned Basilica are religiously safeguarded and celebrated by the Diplomas of many Supreme Pontiffs and by the utmost veneration of the people. In faith of which I have sealed and subscribed to the said Image and to this letter. Given from my residence on May 13 in the Year of Our Lord 1836, in the Indiction [not completed], in the sixth year of the Pontificate of the Most Blessed Lord Our Gregory [XVI] Pope. This type of handwritten note is essential for collectors and art historians as it provides direct information on provenance and certification of the work. The piece was supposed to be signed (but the inscription is not legible) by the Printing House of the Puccinelli brothers in Rome, renowned for publishing high-quality liturgical texts. Even more important is the small inscription at the bottom: “In Rome da Bianchi al Gesù N. 80,” which indicated the address of the place where these relics were kept and sold in Rome at the Church of the Gesù, at number 80. The linen canvas is in poor condition, with many parts missing and the object of improper and clumsy post-restoration attempts, but these do not undermine authenticity, originality, and the great historical and religious value."

Stima:180€

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