Relics and Reliquaries

I am very fascinated by Christian art. The stories of the bible and its characters were the source of inspiration to many artists, and so many forms of art were used such as stained glass, sculpture, painting, and architecture. Christianity made art take a different direction, and it continues to influence art today.

I had never heard of relics and reliquaries until last spring. The concept of it was kind of odd to me, but I love how these relics were stored in sculptural containers, making the whole concept of a relic more spiritual.

These are some examples:

Chasse of Champagnat, ca. 1150
French; Made in Limoges
Gilded copper and champlevé enamel

4 7/8 x 7 1/16 x 3 3/8 in. (12.4 x 18.9 x 8.5 cm)

Arm Reliquary, 13th century, with 15th-century additions
French
Silver, silver-gilt, glass and rock-crystal cabochons over wood core

20 5/16 x 6 1/4 x 2 15/16 in. (51.6 x 15.8 x 7.4 cm)

Reliquary of Mary Magdalene, 14th and 15th century
Made in Tuscany, Italy
Gilded copper, gilded silver, rock crystal, verre églomisé

Overall 22 x 9 3/8 x 7 15/16 in. (55.9 x 23.8 x 20.2 cm), roundel 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)

Relics are pieces of bone or garment of a saint. A reliquary is the container that holds the relic. Reliquaries took different forms. Some would be pendants, elegant shrines, body forms or specific body parts. The earlier ones were made in the form of caskets with decoration of the saint's story.

 

During the time of Charlemagne, it was obligatory that every altar contained a relic.The purpose of relics was to sit on the altar and be of spiritual prescence during a mass. Those reliquaries in the shape of an arm were also used to bless people or heal the sick. 

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/47.101.33

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/17.190.685

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/17.190.504

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/17.190.353