Terms and conditions of use
Reliquary casket
(c. 1200)
- Medium
- enamel (champlevé) on copper, gilt-copper, wood
- Measurements
- 24.2 × 22.3 × 11.3 cm
- Place/s of Execution
- Limoges, France
- Accession Number
- 3650-D3
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1936
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited - Gallery location
- 14th - 16th Century Gallery - Painting & Decorative Arts
Level 1, NGV International - About this work
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In the Middle Ages, Limoges was the centre of large-scale manufacturing of enamelled objects, particularly reliquaries (containers to hold the relics of saints), crosses, candlesticks and wares for ecclesiastical and domestic use. These enamels were widely exported across Europe. The enamels were made of ground glass laid into an engraved copper surface and fired at great heat. The form of this casket – a miniature stylised church, with pointed gables at each end and a steep roof – was popular for these reliquaries and its decoration, images of Christ in Majesty surrounded by Apostles, sufficiently general to suit a broad clientele.