Beaker (so-called Beaker of Saint Godehard)

late 12th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Legendarily associated with Saint Godehard (960–1038), this beaker was probably made during the tenure of Abbot Thidericus (1181–89). It was used to rinse out the mouth with wine after receiving communion. The exterior is embellished with silver strips of foliate and tendril ornamentation and, in the lid’s central field, with the bust of a figure holding a book. The encircling silver band with geometric ornament and the overlaid engraved blossoms were added in about 1506.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Beaker (so-called Beaker of Saint Godehard)
Date: late 12th century
Culture: German (Hildesheim)
Medium: Root wood; cast silver, wrought, engraved, and stamped
Dimensions: H.: 4 3/4 in. (12 cm); Diameter: 5 516/ in. (13.5 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver
Credit Line: Basilika St. Godehard, Hildesheim
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters