Portable Altar of Countess Gertrude (c. 1045 CE)
The portable altar was commissioned by Countess Gertrude of Brunswick, a member of the powerful Guelph dynasty, one of the most influential noble families in the medieval Holy Roman Empire.
Germany
Objects tied to Germany’s long and complex history, from medieval times to more recent eras. These artifacts offer insights into the nation’s cultural evolution, craftsmanship, and historical milestones.
Arm Reliquary of the Apostles (c. 1190 CE)
Shaped like a clothed human forearm with an outstretched right hand in a gesture of blessing, this reliquary was designed to house a sacred relic—in this case, a portion of an unidentified saint’s arm bone.
Pellet Crossbow for a Child (1600-1650 CE)
This small pellet crossbow, designed to launch pebbles or pellets rather than arrows, offers a glimpse into a world where playtime intertwined with practical skills.
Monstrance and Paten of Saint Bernward (1180-1190 CE)
Crafted c. 1180–1190, this German monstrance of gilded silver and crystal holds Saint Bernward’s paten.
Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony (1553-1573 CE)
Crafted c. 1553–1573, this Saxon crossbow with bone inlays and etched steel reflects Renaissance artistry.
Monstrance With a Relic of St Sebastian (1484 CE)
Crafted in 1484, this Brunswick monstrance of gilded silver and crystal encases Saint Sebastian’s relic.
Vesperbild or Pieta (1515-1520 CE)
Sculpted between 1515 and 1520, this lindenwood vesperbild from Germany shows Mary cradling Christ, finished with polychrome and gilding.
Jesse (c.1500 CE)
Carved around 1500, this limewood figure by Veit Stoss from Germany shows Jesse asleep, painted with polychromy.
Closed Helmet With Etched Visor (1540-1545 CE)
A steel closed helmet from the 1540s, crafted in Augsburg, Germany, featuring a two-piece visor, etched floral patterns, and a three-plate collar.
Helmet With Beaked Visor (1530-1539 CE)
A steel close helmet from the 1530s, crafted in northern Germany, featuring a fluted skull, beaked visor with split design, and bevor, reflecting late medieval and early Renaissance armor design.
Maximilian Helmet (1510-1530 CE)
A steel maximilian helmet from around 1510, part of a Maximilian-style suit, featuring deep fluting and a bellows visor, reflecting German craftsmanship from the early 16th century.