Capsella di Samagher reliquary is a box made of ivory and silver from the 5th century. Reliefs are carved on lid and all sides, depicting religious scenes. On this back view of the reliquary, women and men are standing in orans poses, while a man and a woman kneel to receive eucharist. The decorative columns appear to be those of St. Peter's cathedral in Rome.
Reliquaries were used to house the remains of martyrs and saints. The back of the reliquary is believed to depict the “Memoria Petri,” the monument erected by Constantine over Peter’s tomb. It is believed that Constantine and Helena are depicted visiting the Basilica of St. Peter on pilgrimage in 326.
Title of Art: (Capsella di Samagher)
Art Form: Reliquary
Exhibit Institution: Museo Archaeologico Nazionale di Venezia (National Archaeological Museum of Venice)