Virgin and Child reliquary for the Holy Umbilical Cord of Christ

This reliquary was commissioned in the early 15th century by the executors of the will of Thibault des Abbés, a member of the bourgeoisie from Châlons-en-Champagne.

The statue contained the only relic of the Saint Navel, or umbilical cord, kept in France.

It was one of the "indiscreet relics" of Christ and was especially venerated in relation to motherhood. In the 18th century, the Bishop of Châlons had the reliquary opened and discovered only a few fragments of fabric and stone inside. This is why the precious object was relegated to the sacristy and then sold.

It comes from the treasure of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux in Châlons-en-Champagne

Former Soltykoff collection