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Reliquary of the Cross

1178–98

Not on view

The sides of this reliquary box detail the journey taken by the Cross relic it once contained from Jerusalem to the Church of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse. On the long side with the hinges, an abbot from the Church of the Virgin in the Valley of Jehoshaphat hands the relic to a scribe from Toulouse, who then boards a ship bound for France. The scribe presents the Cross to the Abbot of Toulouse on one short side; on the long side with the keyhole, the church doors are flung wide to receive the precious souvenir.

Reliquary of the Cross, Gilded copper and champlevé enamel, French — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Reliquary of the Cross, Gilded copper and champlevé enamel, French

Reliquary of the Cross, Gilded copper and champlevé enamel, French

Reliquary of the Cross, Gilded copper and champlevé enamel, French

Reliquary of the Cross, Gilded copper and champlevé enamel, French

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Reliquary of the Cross

Date: 1178–98

Geography: Made in Limoges, France

Culture: French

Medium: Gilded copper and champlevé enamel

Dimensions: 5 1/8 × 11 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (13 × 29.2 × 14 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Copper

Credit Line: Treasure of the Basilique Saint-Sernin of Toulouse - Musée Saint-Raymond

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.