Gilded wooden bust of a smiling young girl, with shoulders adorned with openwork rosettes. Front view.

Reliquary bust of a companion of Saint Ursula, Cl. 11306 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

3D

Gilded wooden bust of a young girl with long hair. Rear view.

Reliquary bust of a companion of Saint Ursula, Cl. 11306 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded wooden bust of a smiling young girl, with shoulders adorned with openwork rosettes. Three-quarter view.

Reliquary bust of a companion of Saint Ursula, Cl. 11306 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Reliquary bust of a companion of Saint Ursula

Description

On display - room 12

14th century

Late Middle Ages

Reliquaries that take the shape of a part of the human body, especially bust reliquaries, were common in the Middle Ages. This is part of a mass production associated with the veneration of Saint Ursula and her companions, who were martyred in Cologne. Openings on the top of the head and at the front allowed the relics contained in this chamber to be seen, and perhaps touched.

A smile can be seen on the round face. This figure represents a young girl. Indeed, only young girls are depicted with long hair without any headdress.

 

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century

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