Relicario - Copacabana y Antonio

A lovely mid 19th century Andean double sided 'relicario' with 'Our Lady of Copacabana' on one face and 'San Antonio de Padua' on the other. This beautiful miniature image(s) was hand painted on imported tin-plate by a skilled artisan who used nothing more than a single squirrel hair as a paint brush. Given the small scale, just slightly larger than a U.S. quarter dollar, it's difficult to envisage the control, finesse and steady hand required to design, develop and execute with such incredible detail. Even more perplexing -- the fact that this was painted well more than 100 years ago without assistance of modern day tools. The overall level of quality and detail is superlative. 

** Reliquary is displayed on a high quality modern stand. 

Dimensions: The reliquary measures approximately 1.5 inches vertical x 1 inch horizontal. Overall height on display stand is approximately 3 inches. 

Condition: minor paint loss. Unrestored. Original. Reliquary is lacking its silver case.

questions? Contact us at 415-578-8814 or info@colonialarts.com