This sumptuous reliquary sets the Virgin and Child, accompanied by angels, within an elaborate architectural shrine. The arches, vaults, and sculptural decorations are of gilded silver; translucent enamel panels on the wings depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin and the Infancy of Christ evoke stained-glass windows. This example, one of only four such shrines to have survived, is recorded in the eighteenth-century inventories of the convent of the Poor Clares of the Order of Saint Francis at Buda (part of the modern city of Budapest), founded by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary in 1334.
From the convent of the Poor Clares at Buda (part of the modern city of Budapest); Countess V. Batthyany, Vienna ; Count Arthur Batthyany ; Frederick I, Grand Duke of Baden 1826–1907 ; his sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris (January 28-29, 1867, no. 61) ; Baron Adolphe Carl de Rothschild 1823–1900, Paris and Pregny (from 1867–1900) ; by descent, Caroline Julie Anselme Rothschild 1830–1907, Paris and Pregny (1900–d.1907) ; by descent, Baron Edmond James de Rothschild French, 1845–1934, Paris (1907–until 1934) ; Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering (confiscated from Baron Edmond's residence, Paris) ; restituted to estate of Baron Edmond James de Rothschild French, 1845–1934, Paris (June 3, 1948) ; by descent, Baron James Armand Edmond de Rothschild 1878–1957 Paris and London OR ; Baron Maurice Edmond Charles de Rothschild 1881–1957, Paris ; by descent, Baron Edmond Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris (?) (sold 1962) ; [ Rosenberg and Stiebel, Inc., New York (sold 1962)]
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Publishing and Marketing Assistant Rachel High sits down with How to Read Medieval Art author Wendy Stein to learn some of the meaning behind art of the Middle Ages and uncover the value of looking closely.
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