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Arm Reliquary of Saint Bernward

German (Hildesheim)

ca. 1194

Not on view

Arms of precious metal and gemstones over a wood core were a common form for medieval reliquaries. The hand is raised in blessing and wears a precious ring, an episcopal attribute, so it is assumed to be the arm reliquary of Saint Bernward. It is thought to have been made to commemorate the relocation in 1194 of Bernward’s relics, which are no longer present.

Arm Reliquary of Saint Bernward, Silver, gilded silver, rock crystal, and semiprecious stones; wood core, German (Hildesheim) — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Arm Reliquary of Saint Bernward

Date: ca. 1194

Culture: German (Hildesheim)

Medium: Silver, gilded silver, rock crystal, and semiprecious stones; wood core

Dimensions: Overall: 21 7/16 x 6 1/8 x 4 9/16 in. (54.5 x 15.5 x 11.6 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Credit Line: Dom-Museum HIldesheim, on loan from the church of St. Magdalen, Hildesheim (L 1978–2)

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.