Reliquary Bust of Saint Barbara in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2008

Reliquary Bust of Saint Barbara
ca. 1465


Object Details

Artist: Workshop of Niclaus Gerhaert von Leyden (North Netherlandish, active Strasbourg, ca. 1462–died 1473 Vienna)

Date: ca. 1465

Geography: Made in Strasbourg, Upper Rhineland, Germany

Culture: German

Medium: Walnut with paint and gilding

Dimensions: Overall: 19 7/8 x 17 1/2 x 10 7/8 in. (50.5 x 44.5 x 27.6 cm)

Classification: Sculpture-Wood

Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Accession Number: 17.190.1735


This bust, and its companion (acc. no. 17.190.1734), reflect the liveliness and innovative naturalistm of sculpture carved in Nikolaus Gerhaert’s workshop when he was working in the Upper Rhine region. Saint Catherine, whose relics were once located in the chest cavity, can be identified by her attributes the sword and the wheel. The bust of Saint Barbara also contained relics. She is recognized by the tower she holds in her right hand. It is likely that the busts were originally set into niches in the altarpiece at the high altar in Wissembourg. In addition to the saints seen here the altarpiece also incorporated busts of Saint Margaret (now in the Art Institute of Chicago) and Saint Agnes (unlocated). Plaster casts of all four busts are preserved in the Musée de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame in Strasbourg.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464128