ticketsMember | Make a donation

University Scepter

early 15th century (1419? with alterations after 1478)
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 16
University scepters, generally made in pairs during the Middle Ages, were carried at the head of academic processions and signified the authority of the university faculty. The engraving on the handle states that this scepter was given in penance to the cathedral chapter of Lübeck in 1478. The circumstances are unknown, but it is probable that the heraldic shield with the arms of the bishopric of Lübeck and the figure of Saint John the Baptist, one of the patron saints of the cathedral, were added at this time. It is thought that this scepter was made for the University of Rostock and that its mate, much altered, is now in the St. Annen- Museum in Lübeck.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: University Scepter
  • Date: early 15th century (1419? with alterations after 1478)
  • Geography: Made in possibly Rostock or Lübeck, Germany
  • Culture: North German
  • Medium: Silver and silver gilt on an iron core
  • Dimensions: Overall: 57 9/16 x 2 3/16 in. (146.2 x 5.6 cm)
    Head of scepter: 4 15/16 x 2 3/16 in. (12.6 x 5.6 cm)
    bottom knop: 5 11/16 x 1 5/16 in. (14.5 x 3.3 cm)
    shaft diameter: 3/8 in. (1 cm)
    shaft knop diameter: 13/16 in. (2 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.358

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Ewer with Wild Man Finial, Silver gilt, enamel, and paint, German
Ewer with Wild Man Finial
German
ca. 1500
Ewer with Wildman Finial, Silver gilt, enamel, and paint, German
Ewer with Wildman Finial
German
late 15th century
The Mater Dolorosa, Lautenbach Master German, Pot-metal glass and colorless glass, silver stain, and vitreous paint, South German
The Mater Dolorosa
Lautenbach Master
Circle of Peter Hemmel von Andlau (Strassburger Werkstattgemeinschaft)
ca. 1480
Roundel with the Temptation of Saint Anthony, Colorless glass, vitreous paint and silver stain, German
Roundel with the Temptation of Saint Anthony
German
1532
Asian King from an Adoration Group, Poplar with paint and gilding, German
Asian King from an Adoration Group
German
before 1489

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.