Adapted from Félibien, Plate III, Item A
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 pendents. 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.
Click here to see 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.
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