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Arm Reliquary

German (Hildesheim)

1130–40

Not on view

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.

Arm Reliquary, Gilded copper, German (Hildesheim) — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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)

Object Number: SL.5.2013.1.15

The Met

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.