Reliquary
<p>An expert in historic churches and religious objects, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc likely based the design of this reliquary (a receptacle for sacred relics) on a medieval example with a similar gabled roof also embellished with pinecones, a symbol of eternal life. This object was produced by Louis Bachelet’s foundry, probably as a model that never contained relics. The foundry promoted Viollet-le-Duc’s design through a printed catalogue and in its showroom. The finished reliquaries cost between 2,300 and 2,800 francs (over $40,000 today), depending on the extent of the surface decoration and whether it was varnished or gilded.</p>
Catalogue
- Year
- 1850
- Dimensions
- 88 × 74.2 × 43.2 cm (34 5/8 × 29 1/4 × 17 in.)
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
Artist
Painting
Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc
Full artist profile →More
More by Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc
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1865 · Watercolor and opaque watercolor, over graphite, on blue-gray wove paper, laid down on Japanese paper
Pair of Altar Candlesticks
1862 · Brass
Plan for the Renovation of a Chapel in the Nave of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris
1843 · Watercolor, shell gold, pen and black ink, traces of graphite, gouache guidelines.
David and Goliath, after a Capital in Vézelay Abbey
1835 · Graphite
Record
Verified by WattsOS- Year
- 1850
- Dimensions
- 88 × 74.2 × 43.2 cm (34 5/8 × 29 1/4 × 17 in.)
- Watts ID
- WW-1850-140347
Source
- Collection
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Source
- aic
- Reference
- View at source
- Status
- verified