Work of Art DetailsShrine of Saint Amandus Description: This large, church-shaped shrine once housed the relics of a 7th-century saint who served as a missionary and bishop to the western regions of present-day Belgium. St. Amandus (d. 679) also established a monastery at Elnone, near Tournai (western Belgium), where the monks later commissioned this reliquary to honor his remains. The shrine of St. Amandus, ornamented with silver columns and gilded apostles, was the focus of a strong local cult, visited by pilgrims who came for healing or in thanks for prayers answered. Given its large size and popularity, the shrine was probably placed upon a platform supported by columns behind the main altar for year-round veneration. Artist: Anonymous (Flemish) Inscriptions & Markings: [Transcription] In black enamel on gilt copper strips placed along the base of the roof-like lid: IN ISTA CAPSA SVNT SEQVENTES RELIQ(VIA)E B(EATI) AMANDI EP(ISCOPU)S; [Translation] In black enamel on gilt copper strips placed along the base of the roof-like lid: In this reliquary are the following relics of the blessed Bishop Amandus; [Transcription] In black enamel on gilt copper strip placed along the base of the roof-like lid: PRAESENTIS COMPOSITUS; [Translation] In black enamel on gilt copper strip placed along the base of the roof-like lid: in person placed together Script: Gothic Culture: Belgian Period: Medieval Country: Belgium Style: Romanesque and Gothic Language: Latin Provenance: Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris; Henri Daguerre, Paris [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, September 3, 1930, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest. Credit Line: Acquired by Henry Walters, 1930 |
