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Reliquary of Saint Oswald

ca. 1185–89/partly restored 1779
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This magnificent reliquary was made to house, and still contains, the skull of Saint Oswald, a seventh-century king of Northumbria. It is distinguished by accomplished work in niello (a black alloy of sulfur and metal that is fused by heat to engraved metal surfaces), with sure draftsmanship in the drapery, hair, and backgrounds. Beneath the portraits of eight monarchs, including Oswald, an inscription refers to God’s crowning of kings. The ill-fitting diadem is a later addition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Reliquary of Saint Oswald
  • Date: ca. 1185–89/partly restored 1779
  • Culture: German (Hildesheim) or possibly British
  • Medium: Gold, silver, gilded silver, niello, cloisonné enamel (a few replaced), gems, pearls, and antique cameos and intaglios; wood core
  • Dimensions: H.: 17 in. (43.2 cm); Diameter base: 10 5/8 in. (27 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Dom-Museum HIldesheim (DS 23)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters