Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle, patron of suffering from neurological or skin diseases

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as S. Bartholomaei Apostoli (Saint Bartholomew, Apostle). On the back, the reliquary is secured by a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint with a coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Milan. 

Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, is traditionally identified with Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, whom Jesus praised as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” Introduced by St. Philip, he preached the Gospel in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. Martyred around 70 in Armenia by being flayed alive and beheaded. He is the patron saint of leather workers, tanners, butchers, bookbinders, shoemakers, plasterers, and those suffering from neurological or skin diseases. His feast day is commemorated on August 24.