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Reliquary of Saint Oswald

German (Hildesheim) or possibly British

ca. 1185–89/partly restored 1779

Not on view

This magnificent reliquary was made to house, and still contains, the skull of Saint Oswald, a seventh-century king of Northumbria. It is distinguished by accomplished work in niello (a black alloy of sulfur and metal that is fused by heat to engraved metal surfaces), with sure draftsmanship in the drapery, hair, and backgrounds. Beneath the portraits of eight monarchs, including Oswald, an inscription refers to God’s crowning of kings. The ill-fitting diadem is a later addition.

Reliquary of Saint Oswald, Gold, silver, gilded silver, niello, cloisonné enamel (a few replaced), gems, pearls, and antique cameos and intaglios; wood core, German (Hildesheim) or possibly British — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Reliquary of Saint Oswald

Date: ca. 1185–89/partly restored 1779

Culture: German (Hildesheim) or possibly British

Medium: Gold, silver, gilded silver, niello, cloisonné enamel (a few replaced), gems, pearls, and antique cameos and intaglios; wood core

Dimensions: H.: 17 in. (43.2 cm); Diameter base: 10 5/8 in. (27 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Credit Line: Dom-Museum HIldesheim (DS 23)

Accession Number: SL.5.2013.1.29

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.