Portable Reliquary of Saint Vincent

Portable Reliquary of Saint Vincent

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The small size of this reliquary and its fitted case (1984.24.2) indicated that it was intended to be carried on the owner's person. The enameled plaque reads: "de sepulchro s[an]c[ti]/ vi[n]ce[n]cii e de carne/ et ossib[us] eiusde[m] s[an]c[ti]" (from the tomb of St. Vincent and from the flesh and bones of this same saint). The finely worked cuir bouilli, or tooled leather, case is inscribed "de lign[o]" (of the root or stock). This may be a reference to St. Vincent of Saragossa, who was the patron saint of vintners. The wood core and the silver end pieces are modern.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Portable Reliquary of Saint VincentPortable Reliquary of Saint VincentPortable Reliquary of Saint VincentPortable Reliquary of Saint VincentPortable Reliquary of Saint Vincent

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.