Images of Medieval Art and Architecture
The Treasure of Saint Denis

Bust Reliquary of St. Denis

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Images

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Texts

Description

Head of Saint Denis, first bishop of Paris and principal Apostle to the Gauls. The image of the holy martyr is made of gold- his mitre is all covered with precious stones and pearls, as are the pendants. The two angels which support the head are made of of gold vermeil: the third, which is in front of them, is also of vermeil. The reliquary which it holds in its hands is of gold and enriched with pearls and precious stones. In this little reliquary is enclosed a bone from the shoulder of Saint Denis. It was Abbot Matthew of Vendôme who had the head of Saint Denis thus enclosed. Its translation was performed in the presence of King Phillip the Bold, by Simon, who held the title of cardinal of Saint Cecile, and who was apostolic legate.

Félibien, pages 540. Translated by Jane Vadnal.

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Subsequent History

• Matthew of Vendôme was abbot of Saint Denis from 1254 to 1287.
• The two supporting angels were stolen during the time of the League, and were replaced in the 17th century (The engraving above shows the restored reliquary).
• Reliquary disappeared in 1793.

Louvre, p. 195

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Related Material

Other head reliquaries in the Treasure of Saint Denis.

Click to read descriptions of the life of Saint Denis by Jameson and Baring-Gould.

Félibien, pages 209, 256, and 540.

Louvre, p. 194-5.

Montesquiou-Fezensac, I and II, no 214, III,10, 35,100,108-10.

FÉLIBIEN PLATE III	ST. DENIS TREASURES	ST. DENIS MAIN PAGE	FRANCE	INTRODUCTION

Last updated by:JV Date: November 28, 2006