An Outstanding And Remarkable Antique Spanish Reliquary Bust, 1600's

This is a truly outstanding and one of a kind antique reliquary bust that dates from the early 17th century or even older. Discovered in Sevilla, Spain this magnificent treasure is entirely hand carved from wood, painted and gilded. It is a bust of a female saint that once held a relic in its chest. At some later stage - most certainly during the 1800's - the relic was replaced with an ancient French flaming sacred heart of Mary made of brass and adorned with letter "M" in ruby red stones. This may suggest that it is a bust of the Virgin Mary, yet it could also represent Mary Magdalene. Through its impressive age of 400 or more years a glorious timeworn patina has been created that in my opinion only brings forth its true breathtaking beauty and splendour today. It is this distressed appeal that givis it such a powerful yet serine presence. The statue is exactly as I discovered it. For the full condition please refer to the images!