A rock Crystal Devotional Pendant carved in portrait relief possibly of Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) with the Crucifixion in the background, probably 17th/18th century Italian
5.2 x 6.3cm
Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
He was Archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584 and a cardinal of the Catholic Church
He was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries for the education of priests.
Following his death in 1584, popular devotion to Borromeo arose quickly and continued to grow. The Milanese celebrated his anniversary as though he were already a saint. On 1 November 1610, Pope Paul V canonized Borromeo. Three years later, the church added his feast to theGeneral Roman Calendar for celebration on 4 November.