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Tabernacle of Cherves

ca. 1220–1230
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
This tabernacle is the most celebrated object from the Treasure of Cherves, found in 1896 near the site of a ruined priory of the Grandmont order of monks in Gandory. The accomplished openwork medallions depict events following the Crucifixion, including the Holy Women at the Sepulchre on Easter Sunday (center left) and Doubting Thomas (upper right). With their strong emphasis on the physical presence of Christ after his death, these images were most appropriate for a cupboard intended for storing of the bread consecrated as Christ’s body during the mass.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tabernacle of Cherves
  • Date: ca. 1220–1230
  • Geography: Made in Limoges, France
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Copper (plaques): engraved, scraped, stippled, and gilt; (appliqués): repoussé, chased, engraved, scraped, and gilt; champlevé enamel: medium blue, turquoise, medium green, yellow, red, and white, modern wood mount
  • Dimensions: Closed: 33 × 19 3/4 × 10 3/4 in., 90 lb. (83.8 × 50.2 × 27.3 cm, 40.8 kg)
    Open: 33 in. × 37 3/4 in. × 10 3/4 in. (83.8 × 95.9 × 27.3 cm)
    Other (Proper right wing): 27 3/8 × 9 1/2 in. (69.5 × 24.1 cm)
    Other (Proper left wing): 27 1/8 × 9 3/8 in. (68.9 × 23.8 cm)
  • Classification: Enamels-Champlevé
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.735
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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3105. Tabernacle of Cherves

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