Medieval Art: Treasures of Saint Denis: Reliquary of the bones of Saint Pancrace

Images of Medieval Art and Architecture

The Treasure of Saint Denis
Reliquary of the Bones of Saint Pancrace

Images

Adapted from Félebien, Plate 1 (Item Q) Item A

Rouen: Rouen Cathedral

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Detail: Angels

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Texts

Description

A reliquary in which some bones of Saint Pancrace, Martyr, are enclosed under a rock-crystal. On the base, which is made of vermeil, can be read the following inscription: Anno Domini M. CCC. X. L. Fratres Petrus de Plailly Quartus-Prior & Galterus de Pontoyze Camerarius istius ecclesiae tunc temporis hoc vas argenteum devotè Domino obtulerunt in quo has sanctus reliquias decenter collocare fererunt. The two figures of angels which are on each side are made of ivory.

Félebien, page 537, Translated by Jane Vadnal.

History

Taken to the Louvre, December 5, 1793
Reliquary given to the Archbishop of Rouen in 1802.
Currently in the Treasury of the Cathedral of Rouen, Rouen, France.

Notes

Reliquary

Height (max.) 38.5, Width of socle, 33 cm.; Height of socle, 19 cm..
Reliquary rededicated to Saint Romain while in Rouen.

Angels

Made in Paris, third quarter of 13th century.

Angels holding candlesticks incorporated into present reliquary by 1625. Originally, they were probably part of Virgin in Glory statuary group, along with the Ivory Virgin statue.

Angels are made of elephant ivory.

Height 25 cm.