Bidspirit auction | Victorian Catholic Arma Christi Devotional

Victorian Catholic Arma Christi Devotional Shadowbox Shrine, circa 1877 - This late 19th-century Victorian Catholic devotional shadowbox, often identified as an Arma Christi shrine, features a central gold-toned cast metal crucifix. The figure of Christ is surrounded by various silver-toned cast metal miniatures representing the instruments of the Passion. These miniatures include a ladder, a spear, a sponge on a reed, a hammer, pincers, a lantern, a rooster atop a pillar, and a skull and crossbones at the base. The interior display is set against a lithograph background depicting a landscape with the figures of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist positioned at the foot of the cross. The scene is bordered by pleated, cream-colored satin-like fabric. A printed label at the bottom interior reads, Thy Kingdom Come. / 100 DAYS INDULGENCE EACH TIME (PIUS IX, 14th JUNE, 1877.) The assembly is housed in a deeply molded wood and plaster frame featuring an ornate foliate pattern with a dark glazed finish and a silvered inner floral border. The back is constructed of wood with a deteriorated paper covering. 18.5 inches by 22.5 inches. The item shows signs of age consistent with its period. The ornate frame exhibits minor surface wear, small losses to the molded plaster detail, and visible cracking at the mitered corners. The interior fabric border and lithograph background show moderate staining, yellowing, and foxing. The paper backing on the reverse is torn and largely incomplete.