RARE LARGE Nineteenth Century Monastery Double Sided Paperolle Relic with Agnus Dei Wax Medallions

This is an exceptional example of paperolle monastery work which is suspended between two thick pieces of glass. It originates from a fine religious collection in Paris and dates towards 1880. This is a unique piece which holds two Agnes Dei Wax Medallions. (An Agnus DeI is a sacramental which consists of small medallions made with the wax of the paschal candles.) It is a very large work, measuring 9" x 7 3/4" and 1" thick. The very intricate paperolle design is an amazing work of small design motifs which include arabesques, circles and scrolls. Each small piece is the result of a single strand of paper which is twisted around a small tool to form a tight scrolling shape. This work was time consuming and delicate. Clusters of grapes are mimicked by very tight rolls of paper which give the appearance of gilt beads. Flowers are treated in the same manner, formed of tightly rolled papers which mimic petals. The center of the flowers has a green foil circle which appears as a brilliant