Enamel from a Reliquary
These delicately patterned enamels once formed part of a large shrine (perhaps as much as six feet long) to contain the precious remains of Christian saints. The rectangular plaques would have been set horizontally or vertically as border decoration; the medallion served as a decorative halo for a statuette of a saint. The lavish attention given to these small elements is a testament to the importance of the commission and to the skill of the goldsmith.
When such shrines were restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries, original plaques were sometimes replaced with modern copies in impeccable condition, and originals like these were sold to collectors.
When such shrines were restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries, original plaques were sometimes replaced with modern copies in impeccable condition, and originals like these were sold to collectors.
Artwork Details
- Title: Enamel from a Reliquary
- Artist: Workshop of the Master of the Virgin Mary's Reliquary Casket (German, Aachen)
- Date: early 13th century
- Geography: Made in Cologne, Germany
- Culture: German
- Medium: Champlevé & cloisonné enamel, copper-gilt
- Dimensions: Overall: 3 1/8 x 5/16 in. (8 x 0.8 cm)
- Classification: Enamels-Champlevé & Cloisonné
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of The Hearst Foundation and Rogers Fund, by exchange, 2008
- Object Number: 2008.347
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Master of the Virgin Mary's Reliquary Casket
early 13th century
Master of the Virgin Mary's Reliquary Casket
early 13th century
Master of the Virgin Mary's Reliquary Casket
early 13th century
German
1300–1325
German
ca. 1186
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