19th century, carved wood with gesso and polychrome, repousse silver-plated facing with scroll and putto mask decoration, raised on a gilt stepped trifid base, the interior reliquary behind glass featuring a watercolor on paper portrait of Saint Augustine of Hippo, with ornate gilt and silver embroidered surround.

22 1/4 x 11 x 4 3/4 in.

From the Collection of the late Michael Joyce and Archie Carter III, Greensboro, North Carolina
Proceeds to Benefit Greensboro Urban Ministry

Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church and the patron of the Augustinians. His memorial is celebrated on 28 August, the day of his death. Augustine is the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, and a number of cities and dioceses. Many Protestants, especially Calvinists and Lutherans, consider him one of the theological fathers of the Protestant Reformation due to his teachings on salvation and divine grace. Saint Augustine is also viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church.

Denting to silver-plate; some gilt and paint losses; areas of later paint and gilt.