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Osculatory

ca. 1490
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 14
Worn as a pendant, the osculatory was kissed by the celebrant of the Mass at the mingling of the bread and wine to signify the unity of the Church through the bond of charity. The plaque on the front represents the Trinity and refers to the Redemption of man through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Engraved on the back plate are SS. Ursula and Barbara. A number of other objects in The Cloisters Treasury, including the silver and mother-of-pearl tabernacle, also come from the treasury of St. Peter's monastery in Salzburg.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Osculatory
  • Date: ca. 1490
  • Geography: Made in Salzburg, Austria
  • Culture: Austrian
  • Medium: Silver, silver gilt, and mother-of-pearl
  • Dimensions: Overall: H: 5 1/8 x Depth: 13/16 x Diam: 3 1/8 in. (13 x 2.1 x 7.9 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.80
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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