The Holy Face Antique 1905 Catholic Relic Veil Of Veronica Framed W/ Certificate
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:18269973 | Modified Item: No |
| Featured Refinements: Catholic Relic | Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy |
You're bidding on an antique engraved-on-cloth image of the Holy Face, framed with the original certificate and other ephemera. The image is a replica of Jesus's face from the Veil of Veronica, purported to be the original, held at St. Peter's Basilica. According to the story, St. Veronica wiped the sweat and blood from Jesus's face with her veil en route to his crucifixion - an event often depicted in art as the sixth station of the cross - which created a perfect likeness of his imag...e on the veil. In 1616, Pope Paul V banned the reproduction of the veil image and ordered all existing likenesses to be destroyed, decreeing that henceforth likenesses were only allowed under a canon of St. Peter's Basilica.
The Holy Face images of the type being offered here are considered relics, and appear to have originated sometime in the 18th century and remained popular into the early 20th century. This one dates from 1906 based on the certificate, and is a late version. The certificate indicates that it was created under Canon at St. Peter's, and certifies that the cloth was pressed against the Veil of Veronica, the True Cross and the True Spear. It indicates the year 1906 as well as the 4th year of the Papacy of Pious X. The certificates were signed by a Cardinal, and the certificate and cloth were both wax sealed to authenticate, and stamped "Gratis", as these typically would have been presented or sold for no more than the cost of materials.
This piece is framed in probably its original dark veneered wood framing under glass. The certificate is presented below the image along with some additional ephemera. Note some issues of condition - there is some glue & paper residue in the image area at bottom - it looks like someone may have glued the certificate there and it detached and slipped down at some later date. Also a bit of soil at top-left corner, some staining at the bottom of the certificate, and the signature at bottom is very difficult to still make out. A few small pieces of loose debris beneath the glass.
A beautiful piece as presented though, and scarce to find in any condition, and with its certificate. Total size in frame is 14 3/4" X 20 3/4". Please review photos carefully to make your own determination of condition and appeal, and don't hesitate to ask any questions prior to bidding - thanks for looking!
The Holy Face images of the type being offered here are considered relics, and appear to have originated sometime in the 18th century and remained popular into the early 20th century. This one dates from 1906 based on the certificate, and is a late version. The certificate indicates that it was created under Canon at St. Peter's, and certifies that the cloth was pressed against the Veil of Veronica, the True Cross and the True Spear. It indicates the year 1906 as well as the 4th year of the Papacy of Pious X. The certificates were signed by a Cardinal, and the certificate and cloth were both wax sealed to authenticate, and stamped "Gratis", as these typically would have been presented or sold for no more than the cost of materials.
This piece is framed in probably its original dark veneered wood framing under glass. The certificate is presented below the image along with some additional ephemera. Note some issues of condition - there is some glue & paper residue in the image area at bottom - it looks like someone may have glued the certificate there and it detached and slipped down at some later date. Also a bit of soil at top-left corner, some staining at the bottom of the certificate, and the signature at bottom is very difficult to still make out. A few small pieces of loose debris beneath the glass.
A beautiful piece as presented though, and scarce to find in any condition, and with its certificate. Total size in frame is 14 3/4" X 20 3/4". Please review photos carefully to make your own determination of condition and appeal, and don't hesitate to ask any questions prior to bidding - thanks for looking!
