Reliquary Bust of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Gallery 305, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

Reliquary Bust of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Late 15th century

Artist/maker unknown, Italian

This bust can be identified as the Abbot Saint Benedict of Nursia (died 547) by the portrait of his sister, Saint Scholastica (died 543), on the back of his cope. A reliquary, it would have contained a piece of the saint's remains. Although the sculptor is unknown, the painting is by the Florentine artist Biagio d'Antonio (documented 1476–1504).

Gallery 305, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Reliquary Bust of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Date:

Late 15th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Italian

Medium:

Painted and gilded wood

Dimensions:

22 x 23 inches (55.9 x 58.4 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 1135

Geography:

Made in Italy, Europe

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Gallery 305, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

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