Beautiful antique relic I purchased in Italy circa late 1700's - early 1800's. This is a relic of Saint Louis de Gonzaga with a lot of back story which I shared below. This is a paper relic done in multiple layers with quill work and an inner frame with metal threads that are as you can see very dusty. I did not attempt to clean this piece although a fine brush would do the trick. I am not sure but there might have been glass covering this piece but one never knows. The relic is papered in blue/green and the back is a red paste paper. I can clearly see a hole at the top of this piece where a hanger used to be and with thin wire this is an easy fix if you want to hang it. Personally I like it just the way it is and I absolutely love the blue in this piece. It measures 2.25" x 3" x .5". It isn't often I am fortunate enough to find pieces of this calibur as they are becoming ever more difficult to locate. This truly is a gorgeous piece of art and workmanship.
Please email with questions.
Saint Louis de Gonzaga, also known as Aloysius Gonzaga, was a young Italian nobleman born in 1568 in Castiglione delle Stiviere, near Mantua. He is considered one of the patron saints of youth and purity, as well as the patron saint of students. Louis was the eldest son of Marquis Ferrante Gonzague, a powerful Italian lord, and Marta Tana Santena, a Piedmontese noblewoman. Growing up, he was educated by private tutors and exposed to the court of Mantua, where he developed a passion for the arts and music. However, despite his quality education and privileged social status, Louis chose to dedicate his life to God.
Louis had deep piety from an early age, and he was known for his devotion to prayer and meditation. At the age of nine he began to express a desire to become a priest, and at the age of 17 he announced to his family his intention to join the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded by Saint Ignatius from Loyola.
Louis was admitted into the Society of Jesus in 1585, despite the opposition of his father, who wanted him to pursue a military career. He studied philosophy and theology in Rome, where he was ordained a priest in 1591. During his studies, Louis was known for his modesty, charity and chastity, and he was admired by his fellow students for his piety. and his seriousness.
Unfortunately, Louis' health deteriorated rapidly in Rome, and he fell ill with the plague during an epidemic that ravaged the city. Louis spent many hours helping the sick and dying, and he finally died of the plague on June 21, 1591, at the age of 23.
The life of Louis de Gonzague was marked by his deep piety and his desire to serve God. He became an example for many young Christians of his time, and his canonization in 1726 cemented his reputation as the patron saint of youth and purity.
Today, he is celebrated annually on June 21 by Catholics around the
world, and his life continues to inspire young people who seek to live a life of faith and devotion to God.
