Two Reliquary Busts, ca. 1370–1380

Lime, minor additions at the bases, polychromy on gesso in part original, in part supplemented in more recent times

Allgemein33 × 25 cm

Place of originBohemia

Status

on display, room 001

About the workA lock of hair, a finger bone or an entire skull: during the Middle Ages, the mortal remains of saints – but also emperors and popes – were preserved in elaborate receptacles and venerated as intermediaries to the Kingdom of God. The round openings in the chests of the pair of busts shown here were used to hold these spiritual objects. The veneration of relics continues in many religions today. In the Middle Ages, however, it played an exceptional role: the starting point for many cathedral buildings was the possession of a particularly precious relic.

AccessionAcquired by exchange 1934

Provenance[...]; 15.7.1934 erworben durch Tausch von Frau Dr. Burg

Inventory numberP 1934-11-12

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

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https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/en/objects/965846/zwei-reliquienbusten

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