Reliquary Containing a Tooth

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and department, where we encounter *Reliquary Containing a*, a delicate graphite drawing by an anonymous British artist from the second of the 19th. Measuring just 6 3/16 x 4 1/8 inches, this intimate sheet captures the intricate design of a reliquary—a ornate container traditionally used to house sacred relics, in this case, a tooth believed to be a holy figure. Such objects were central to medieval Christian devotion, serving as focal points for pilgrimage and veneration. Created during the Victorian era, amid a Gothic Revival fascination with medieval artifacts, this drawing likely served as a precise study or architectural record. Graphite, a versatile medium favored for its fine lines and subtle shading, allowed the artist to meticulously render the reliquary's ornamental details—think filigree metalwork, gothic arches, and jewel-like embellishments. Classified under Drawings: Ornament & Architecture, it reflects 19th-century scholarly interest in documenting historical treasures, preserving their form for study or replication. Part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, acquired through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1960, this work invites us to ponder the blend of faith, craftsmanship, and curiosity that bridged medieval piety with modern antiquarianism. A small gem that whispers of larger spiritual legacies!

About the Artist

Anonymous, British, 19th century · 1800–1900

**Anonymous, British, 19th century** is not the name of a single individual but a standard museum attribution used for works whose creators remain unidentified yet are clearly British and date to the 1800s. Major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, employ this designation for hundreds of drawings, prints, designs, and decorative studies that lack signatures or firm documentary ...