Arm Reliquary

1130–40

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 arm reliquary is unusual in having been created for relics associated with a military saint—Maurice, commander of the Roman army’s fabled Theban Legion in the third century. Its form is exceptional for the position of the hand, which suggests the fingers once held an object, and for the base in the shape of a shield, a clear reference to the saint’s military career. The accomplished engraved decoration on the sleeve simulates rich, gently wrinkled fabric.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Arm Reliquary
Date: 1130–40
Culture: German (Hildesheim)
Medium: Gilded copper
Dimensions: H. Arm: 18 7/8 in. (48 cm); Base: 14 91/6 x 7 7/8 in. (37 x 20 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Dom-Museum Hildesheim, on loan from the church of St. Maurice, Hildesheim (L 1994-2)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters