Reliquary cross
The reliquary cross made in Prague in the high Baroque period conceals the relic of a saint. The relic is accessible from the rear of the cross. After the three screws are removed, the relic can be seen, wrapped in fabric. The space in which it is stored is accompanied with an authenticity plate – a lead plate bearing the name of the saint. The most holy relic is visible in the window in the front side of the cross. From the outside, the window is lined with ten faceted rubies and ten diamonds. The entire cross is also richly decorated with Bohemian garnets. The base of the cross is adorned with Ranzoni’s impressive Italian decor with a pair of angel heads and bouquets of roses in combination with flat strip decor.
Miniature of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Rubies and diamonds lining the central window with the aperture towards the relic.
A pair of angel heads – a typical feature of Ranzoni’s work.
Rear part of the reliquary cross with screws closing the space of the actual relic.
Rear part of the cross section signed by two bishops’ symbols.
Rinaldo Ranzoni’s hallmark.