Chasse

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Chasse*, a captivating gilt copper alloy reliquary 19th-century Germany, crafted in the robust style of the early th century. Shaped like a miniature church—measuring 9⅝ × 10⅝ × 6 inches—this ornate metalwork box was designed to house sacred relics, evoking the devotional fervor of medieval Christianity. Its surface likely gleams with depictions of angels saints, symbols of divine protection and intercession, rendered in the Romanesque manner with bold, geometric forms and spiritual intensity. Though produced in the 1800s, this piece channels the Romanesque revival popular among 19th-century artists seeking to recapture the grandeur of Europe's medieval past. Gilding the copper alloy not only enhanced its luster but also signified heavenly radiance, a technique rooted in Byzantine influences that filtered into German metalwork. Acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 1924, it resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art department, bridging centuries of craftsmanship. For visitors, the *Chasse* offers a window into how relics inspired pilgrimages and piety, reminding us of art's enduring role in faith and folklore. Marvel at its intricate details up close!