Lot 1: AN ENGRAVED BOTTLE CONTAINING THE SEMINAL FLUID OF BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE, ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS, 70 C.E. (19TH CENTURY)

DETAILS The Bottle is an exquisite example of 17th-century glassware. The vessel stands at a modest two inches high and is adorned with acid-etched scrollwork featuring a symmetrical pattern of florals and acanthus leaves, indicative of the Baroque style. The cork is reinforced with a wax seal. CONDITION No visible cracks or damage to the Bottle. The cork shows aging commensurate with its age. The contents are still fluid, though no claims can be made as to their bioactivity. PROVENANCE Owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, gifted to Joséphine Bonaparte who displayed it at Château de Malmaison until her death in 1814. CATALOGUE NOTE Bartholomew the Apostle, also known as the “The Flayed Saint”, was martyred ca. 70 CE. Many extant relics are attributed to St. Bartholomew, among them a ceramic jug containing his semen, which, according to contemporary accounts, was used as a cure against infirmities. Several samples were taken from the original jug and nearly all are lost.