Pilgrim's Badge
Unknown Artist
14th–16th century
Medium
Lead
Dimensions
Overall: 1 1/16 x 11/16in. (2.7 x 1.8cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Lead
Culture
French
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 1977
Accession Number
1977.240.74
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate lead pilgrim's badge, in France between the 14th and 16th centuries, measures just 1 1/16 x 11/16 inches, small enough to be pinned to a traveler's cloak or hat. Depicting the Madonna and Child—a cherished motif in medieval Christian devotion—it exemplifies the humble metalwork produced for pilgrims journeying to holy sites. Housed in The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Cloisters Collection,1977), it offers a tangible glimpse into everyday piety during the late Middle Ages. Pilgrimage badges like this one served as souvenirs and protective talismans, purchased a...