About this artwork
An expert in historic churches and religious objects, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc likely based the design of this reliquary (a receptacle for sacred relics) on a medieval example with a similar gabled roof also embellished with pinecones, a symbol of eternal life. This object was produced by Louis Bachelet’s foundry, probably as a model that never contained relics. The foundry promoted Viollet-le-Duc’s design through a printed catalogue and in its showroom. The finished reliquaries cost between 2,300 and 2,800 francs (over $40,000 today), depending on the extent of the surface decoration and whether it was varnished or gilded.
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Status
- On View, Galleries 231-233
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Department
- Applied Arts of Europe
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Artist
- Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc
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Title
- Reliquary
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Place
- Paris (Object made in:)
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Date
- 1850–1851
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Medium
- Brass, gilded copper alloy, and wood
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Dimensions
- 88 × 74.2 × 43.2 cm (34 5/8 × 29 1/4 × 17 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by Mary Kathryn Hartigan and the Thomas W. Dower Foundation
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Reference Number
- 2016.118
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/179969/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
