Ivory and silver reliquary from the 5th century
Title of Art: (Capsella di Samagher)
Art Form: Sculpture
Ritual Pose/Object: orans pose
Exhibit Institution: Museo Archaeologico Nazionale di Venezia (National Archaeological Museum of Venice)
Exhibit Location: Venice, Italy
VM Image #: 0051
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 3, 2023
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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.
Carved in ivory with silver accessories, this ancient box is dated to the middle of the fifth century and is presumed to be Roman craftsmanship. 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.
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