Copper-gilt column from a shrine with champlevé and cloisonné enamel, France or Southern Netherlands, ca.1180-1200

Gilt copper. The shaft ornamented with a pattern in champleve enamel; a portion of decorative furniture.

HOLY RELICS

The bones, clothing or possessions associated with Christ and the saints were known as relics. In the Middle Ages and later they were credited with miraculous powers and much venerated. They were kept in secure containers called reliquaries, whose costly materials and beautiful workmanship reflected the importance of their contents. The relics themselves are occasionally visible, set beneath crystal windows and sometimes wrapped in a parchment tag inscribed with the name of the saint.

Reliquaries were made in many forms. Some are modelled in the shape of the relic itself but most are box-shaped or of architectural form. The costliest are of gold and silver, embellished with precious stones, though many are of gilded and enamelled copper, decorated with scenes from the life of the saint. Cathedrals and major churches accumulated large collections of reliquaries, which were formally displayed near the high altar on major feast-days. Most of those in museum collections no longer contain their relics.

The bones and possessions associated with Christ and the saints are known as relics. In the Middle Ages and later they were believed to have miraculous powers and were greatly venerated. The relics were kept in special containers, called reliquaries, whose costly materials and beautiful workmanship reflected the importance of their contents.

This column would have formed part of a miniature arcade decorating the side of a small church-shaped reliquary, or perhaps a shrine. Within the niches of the arcade there would have been figures of saints.

222-1874