On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Reliquary of the Holy Lance

Armenian

Not on view


According to Armenian tradition, the lance used by the Roman centurion Longinus to pierce Christ’s side at the Crucifixion was brought to Armenia by Saint Thaddeus the apostle. In 1268, Prince Khaghbakean of the Proshian family commissioned a silver repository for the Holy Lance, which he then donated to the monastery of Ayrivank‘, which became known as Geghardavank‘, or the "Monastery of the Lance." This container is a later restoration of the original.

Reliquary of the Holy Lance, Silver and silver-gilt on a wooden frame, gems, Armenian

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Reliquary of the Holy Lance, Silver and silver-gilt on a wooden frame, gems, Armenian
Reliquary of the Holy Lance, Silver and silver-gilt on a wooden frame, gems, Armenian
Reliquary of the Holy Lance, Silver and silver-gilt on a wooden frame, gems, Armenian
Reliquary of the Holy Lance, Silver and silver-gilt on a wooden frame, gems, Armenian

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