This item is SOLD ***Antique 18th Century Framed Religious Monastery Work Reliquary, St Peter

A poignant and beautiful monastery work, it dates from 1780-1790, originating from a private French collection. The Biblical passage of Matthew 26:34 is illustrated: "Yeshua answered him and said, “Amen, I say to you that in this night, before a cock will crow three times, you will deny me.” This type of work was prolific in late 18th century France. Very individual and creative, each example is a work of patience, prayer and love. The monks used bits and pieces of worn out books, papers and clothing (which was donated to monasteries and convents by the noblesse) to create devotional art that was sumptuous and textural. The octagonal shaped sheet of vellum serves as the background. The face and hands of St. Peter, as well as the rooster have been gathered from an old engraving. Delicate coloring is added to St. Peter's face and the rooster. The green "hill's" are also old engravings which have been painted with watercolor and embellished with bits of fabric. The flowers have been hand