Free to use stock images of antique Catholic items created hundreds of years ago such as: statues, holy books, chalices, crosses, and more.
This Gospel Lectionary from the eleventh century was written in clear Carolingian minuscule in Regensburg, Germany. Its original treasure binding is very fragile because the spine is made from delicate Byzantine or Islamic silk, so it is not possible to photograph the whole manuscript. Only the cover has been photographed,...
This is a fragment from the upper arm of a hand-held bronze cross. One side contains a bust of Saint John the Baptist. The other side displays a cross-shaped monogram whose letters form the word KYPIE, vocative of "Lord" - probably the beginning of an inscription that once...
A plain gold hoop with a high bezel treated with a row of fleur-de-lys in high relief. The bezel is inset with a disc nielloed with a cross within a wreath. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domainPL2_57.1582_Top_BW.jpg864 KBdownload-circle Please Subscribe or Donate to...
State officials in the early Byzantine Empire often inspected newly minted silver objects and stamped them to attest to the metal's purity. Four such stamps on the bottom of this cup for Communion wine contain, together with the inspectors' names, the monograms of Emperor Justinian (ruled 527-65)...
The center of this thin dress ornament, which would have been sewn onto a garment through the four holes, is dominated by an imperial cross. The two globes on either side of it represent the two empires (East and West), ruled by two-emperors during the 2nd half of the 5th...
This small gold pectoral cross of Roman form has splayed ends, and is set with five cabochon garnets, with a tubular ring for suspension. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domainPL7_57.1734_Fnt_BW_H44.jpg633 KBdownload-circle Please Subscribe or Donate to Help Keep This Site Free!...
The blue nicolo inltaglio has a delicate figure of Nike (Victory) standing on an orb and holding a wreath in her outstretched hand. The circular bezel is almost completely separated from the hoop and is held up by a pair of leopards. Other rings of this type contain coins of...
This large ivory carving, shaped like a tusk, depicts the Christ Child embracing his mother in a tender pose. It’s an early example of Eleousa, or “Virgin of Tenderness,” used for private devotion in Christian Egypt, notable for the Virgin’s large head, fixed gaze, and angular drapery.
Commissioned by Duke Moritz of Saxony, this medal depicts the Trinity in the form of the Throne of Grace. God the Father holds the cross on which Christ has been crucified, expressing God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, with the Holy Spirit between them in the form of a dove.
One of the most revered icons in the Russian Orthodox church, Our Lady of Kazan represents the Virgin Mary as the patroness of the city of Kazan and the Holy Protectress of Russia.
This remarkable object, meant to be carried in religious processions within a great church, is an example of the high level of skill achieved by 15th-century Italian silversmiths.
This rare and beautifully preserved flask is one of the first to depict St. Sergios on horseback, surrounded by the inscription: "Blessing of the Lord of Saint Sergios." The cult of this 3rd-century saint reached its height of popularity in the 6th century, at the site of his martyrdom in Syria.
A pectoral cross or pectoral is a cross that is worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. This cross was designed with gold accents, gilt-silver, and cloisonné enamel. It features an image of Christ crucified in the center.
This statue of Archangel Michael at the Day of Judgment stands on a prostrate demon and holds a flaming sword raised in his right hand.
The Virgin is supported by cherubim and stylized clouds and supports the Christ Child in her arms. The painted decoration of the Virgin and Christ Child is original and would contribute to an impression of the royal status of the mother and child.
An ancient crucifix pendant that has been meticulously painted and enameled with gold rock crystal. It was likely used as a rosary or necklace pendant.
These three pieces, now separate, once formed part of a two-winged door in the center of an iconostasis
This armband is made up of seven inscribed medallions.
Saint John the Baptist is shown here interceding with Christ the Judge for the forgiveness of human sins. He is surrounded by Saint Demetrius, Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint Cyril of Belozersk, all similarly turned in prayer toward Christ. 💸Please donate or subscribe to keep...
Christ, seen in the pose of the Just Judge, holds a Gospel book open to John 7:24: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement." Above and below are bright red seraphim, while at the sides are the venerating figures of Sts. Peter, Paul, and...
These three icons form a group. In the center, Christ is represented as the Just Judge, surrounded by seraphim, archangels, and the apostles Peter and Paul. The Virgin and John the Baptist, accompanied by saints, turn toward him with their hands raised in prayer. Each panel is decorated with a...
The image is of two medallions or coins, each bearing the effigy of an individual. The left medallion has the inscription "FRANCISCUS SALESIVS EPISC. GENEV," which likely refers to Francis de Sales, a Roman Catholic saint and Bishop of Geneva. The right medallion has the inscription "IOANNA...
The image shows a clear glass bottle with a painted representation of a figure that appears to be a saint or religious icon. The figure has a halo around its head, suggesting a divine or holy status, and is holding a staff in one hand and a book in the...
About the Images: This exceptional pendant consists of a reliquary cross inside a hinged case with six small adjacent compartments for relics. The impressive amethyst cameo depicting the Virgin and Child on the lid is surrounded by cabochon rubies and emeralds alternating with pearls. The cross and the outer edge...
