Pilgrim’s Flask
Unknown Artist
c. 1099–1200
Medium
lead
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.043,"width":0.029}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman
Accession Number
1999.234
About this artwork
After the Crusader conquest of the Holy Land in 1099, Jerusalem experienced a revival of Christian pilgrimage. During the 12th century, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was rebuilt, redecorated, and reconsecrated. With the influx of new pilgrims, especially from Western Europe, lead ampullae (small flasks) such as this very rare example were briefly reintroduced. The flask was cast with images of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Christ’s Descent into Limbo (Anastasis), establishing a visual ...