Lough Erne Shrine
Unknown Artist
early 20th century (original dated 11th century)
Medium
Silver plate, cabochons
Dimensions
Overall: 6 9/16 x 3 x 7in. (16.7 x 7.6 x 17.8cm)
Classification
Reproductions-Metalwork
Culture
Irish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1908
Accession Number
08.23.2a
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Medieval Art galleries, where the *Lough Erne Shrine offers a window into Ireland's rich ecclesiastical heritage. This exquisite reproduction, crafted in the early 20th century, faithfully recreates an original th-century reliquary shrine from Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Made of silver plate adorned with cabochons—smooth, polished gemstones set without facets—it measures a compact 6 9/16 x 3 x 7 inches, evoking the portable treasures carried by Irish monks and pilgrims. Shrines like this were vital in medieval Celtic Christianity, serving as ornate housings for holy relics ...