Gospel Case
10th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Copper- gilt on wood, set with crystals. Case for the Gospels. Wood; the cover is overlaid in gilt metal with a cross set with raised compartments, containing relics and pictures. Protected by Glass or crystal; in the centre is a crystal cabochon with a picture of the Virgin and Child behind. The spaces left by the cross are repousse with the Emblems of the four evangelists.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Copper- gilt, wood, crystals |
| Brief description | Copper-gilt and wood case for Gospels. Germany, 10th century. |
| Physical description | Copper- gilt on wood, set with crystals. Case for the Gospels. Wood; the cover is overlaid in gilt metal with a cross set with raised compartments, containing relics and pictures. Protected by Glass or crystal; in the centre is a crystal cabochon with a picture of the Virgin and Child behind. The spaces left by the cross are repousse with the Emblems of the four evangelists. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | A paper label glued to the back with the following note in a ?19th-century copper-plate hand, in English:
N. 1:174 [?]
Case for a manuscript of the / Gospels, the lid overlaid with / metal-work consisting of a raised / Cross set with coloured glass, and having / in the centre a crystal beneath which / is a miniature of the Virgin & Child; / and in the angles of the cross the / Emblems of the four Evangelists of / chased repoussé work in gilt metal. / An object of great rarity possibly of / the Thirteenth century. / J K [?] |
| Historical context | Medieval Worship Until the 16th century Roman Catholicism was the universal faith of the Western world and Latin was its universal language. The needs of church ritual inspired the production of a range of richly decorated vessels and vestments, crosses and images in the form of altarpieces. Many were made of gold or silver, adorned with enamels or gems, precious materials seen as symbolic of the reverence due to the worship of God. Less wealthy churches used cheaper vessels in copper, brass or pewter. The celebration of Mass was and remains the most important service of the Roman Catholic liturgy. For this the minimum requirements are an altar, a chalice and missal, the book of texts necessary for the Mass. Holy Communion or Eucharist is that part of the Mass in which the people participate in the sacrifice of Christ, by partaking of his body and blood in the consecrated bread and wine, held in the chalice and paten. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 528-1893 |
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| Record created | March 4, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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