The remainingrelicsof these holy people took on new religious significance in the early Middle Ages.
A saint’s life provided a holy guide to believers, and their relics could still workmiracles.
For the medieval faithful, touching a relic could heal afflictions or soothe troubled souls.
The Reliquary of St. Elizabeth—once thought to hold the head of the Hungarian saint—is now held at the Swedish History Museum, Stockholm. Made of agate, precious metals, and stones, the oldest elements date to late antiquity, while the more recent additions date from the 11th and 13th centuries. (Photo: Ola Myrin viaWikimedia Commons[CC BY 2.5])
As a result, churches and the very wealthy commissioned grand reliquaries worthy of their priceless relics.
Reliquaries are fascinating objects of faith and fine art.
Learn more about them below.
The Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cologne Cathedral. Completed circa 1225, it is the largest Christian reliquary and features reliefs depicting Biblical scenes in an example of fine medieval goldsmithery. The reliquary is believed to house the remains of the three magi. (Photo:Stock Photosfrom SAIKO3P/Shutterstock)
The Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cologne Cathedral.
The reliquary is believed to house the remains of the three magi.
The sides display biblical scenes accented with gold.
A silver reliquary casket from the early 5th century, discovered in Lombardy, Italy and now housed at the Louvre Museum. The sides display biblical scenes accented with gold. (Photo: © Photo RMN / Gérard Blot from theMusée de Louvre)
Many of the earliest Christians who walked with Christ are now considered saints.
In late antiquity, individuals were deemedmartyrsor confessors by local bishops without centralized papal control.
A small ivory reliquary crafted around 1125, likely in Norway.
A small ivory reliquary crafted around 1125, likely in Norway. The designs feature vegetal motifs and animals. (Photo:Rijksmuseum[Public domain])
The designs feature vegetal motifs and animals.
The relics were placed in vessels crafted by mastergoldsmithsandsilversmiths.
Early examples often took the shape of acasket, also known as achasse.
A late 12th century reliquary pendant depicting Queen Margaret of Sicily receiving a blessing from Bishop Reginald of Bath.The back of the pendant encased blood and cloth from Saint Thomas Becket. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art[Public domain])
These boxes resembled chests or church buildings, and the relic inside was fully concealed.
Ivory was frequently used as paneling on chasses, as the white color was associated with purity and holiness.
A chasse containing relics might feature decorations detailing the life or martyrdom of the saint.
A late 12th century domed reliquary, now held at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Old and New Testament scenes also make appearances, particularly the events of Christ’s life and passion.
A late 12th century domed reliquary, now held at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin.
Themonstrancea sunburst-like structure used for displaying the Eucharist during masswould have been a familiar symbol for medieval Christians.
A reliquary in the shape of an arm containing relics of St. George, a late 13th century treasure from Prague. (Photo: Packare viaWikimedia Commons[CC BY-SA 4.0])
The same ornate form was also used for reliquaries, a fact which highlights the importance of saintly relics.
Through these Christian motifs, reliquaries further emphasized the importance of the veneration of the saints.
The Cologne Cathedral monstrance reliquary from the Cathedral treasury.
The Cologne Cathedral monstrance reliquary from the Cathedral treasury. (Photo: Mkill viaWikimedia Commons[CC BY-SA 3.0])
This object was crafted between 1520 and 1530, likely in Brussels.
Early modern aristocrats continued to commission fabulous jewels to wear theirrelicsaround their necks while simultaneously displaying their wealth.
Monarchs, monasteries, and churches continued to commission reliquaries and treasure their relics.
A gold-embellished triptych reliquary from Paris, circa 1400 to 1410. (Photo:Rijksmuseum[Public domain])
A reliquary cross in gold, diamonds, and enamel from 17th century Spain.
A reliquary bust of Saint Balbina, likely to hold her skull. This object was crafted between 1520 and 1530, likely in Brussels. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art[Public domain])
A reliquary casket in ivory, crafted circa 1500, likely in France. (Photo:Rijksmuseum[Public domain])
A reliquary cross in gold, diamonds, and enamel from 17th century Spain. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art[Public domain])
The Holy Thorn Reliquary in the British Museum. (Photo: Geni viaWikimedia Commons[CC BY-SA 4.0])
Ivory plaques illustrating the Last Supper, probably panels from a German reliquary of the 10th century. (Photo:© The Trustees of the British Museum[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])
