Window reliquary; 18th century

Window reliquary; 18th century.
"Saint Joseph and Child" and "Saint Barbara".
Silver in its colour. Painting on glass.
Presents good state of conservation.
Measurements: 7 x 5,6 x 1,1 cm.
Window reliquary with the representation of Joseph with a lily wand and the Child in his arms, painted on glass in a silver frame, on the back of which there is an effigy of Saint Barbara, also painted on glass. This type of reliquary was used as a pendant, as it has an upper ring from which hangs a silver oval with the two devotional images that make up the design of the reliquary.
Reliquaries of this type were very common from the Gothic period onwards, used to contain relics of saints. It should be remembered, however, that at that time virtually anything that had been in contact with the saint or his mortal remains (cloths, burial soil, etc.) was considered a holy relic. The best examples were made of precious metals.