The completion of the relics delivered from the Vatican was the first stage of the preparation for public veneration. If a bone was found to be missing from the saint's body, it was carved from wood to make the body complete. Due to the ignorance of anatomy at the time, we encountered inaccuracies in the shape and placement of some bones on the skeletons presented.
The individual bones were joined with wires and then the whole skeleton was presented, or a structure was created into which the individual bones were inserted. An example of the insertion of remains under glass body parts is the reliquary display cases in the monastery of Kladruby u Stříbra.
Some relics were also encased in wax, which was used to sculpt a lifelike mannequin that was dressed in period Roman clothing. In this case, this was done to relics that were visible to the public (e.g. the relics of St. Valentina in Plasy).
However, more common for Baroque, was the presentation of clothed skeletons, which were essential in memento mori - a reminder of death and the transience of life.
Presentation of relics in glass coffins or display cases required the creation of support structures, wooden body parts, or stuffing of mannequins with straw (e.g. the reliquaries in the Prague Loreta).
The final presentation always depended on the financial possibility of the owner, contemporary fashion, available materials, and elements of Baroque pomp.
Most often, in the case of catacomb saints, we encounter a display in a reclining or semi-sitting position, with the saint resting on decorated cushions and objects found in his grave, placed at his feet (an oil lamp or a jar of presumed blood). Very rare are the terracotta tomb slabs with the saint's name.
Baroque pomposity has also allowed for the creation of boxes in which the saint stands (the basilica of the Waldsassen monastery in Bavaria). This position of the body inspires respect and reverence in the visitors and celebrates not only the saint but the faith in general.
In these reliquaries, we often see a palm branch held in the saint's hand (symbol of purity) and a laurel crown on the head (symbol of victory over death).