Monstrance With a Relic of St Sebastian (1484 CE)

The Monstrance with a Relic of Saint Sebastian is a liturgical vessel designed to display sacred relics for veneration, embodying the spiritual and artistic aspirations of Late Gothic Brunswick. Crafted from gilded silver and rock crystal, this monstrance houses a metatarsal bone attributed to Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr revered for his intercessory powers against plagues. Its intricate design and historical significance offer a glimpse into medieval piety and craftsmanship.

Originating in Brunswick, Germany, the monstrance was created in 1484, attributed to local goldsmith Werner Korff, as documented by receipts for silver and gilding. First recorded in the inventory of the Church of Saint Blaise, it was prominently displayed during a penitential mass on June 4, 1484, to combat the plague, a recurring threat in medieval Europe. The monstrance’s relic, believed to be from Saint Sebastian (died c. 288 CE), a Roman soldier and martyr, underscores its role in invoking divine protection. Its association with the Guelph Treasure, a collection of medieval ecclesiastical art, further ties it to Brunswick’s historical and dynastic legacy.

One notable anecdote surrounds the monstrance’s inaugural use during the 1484 mass at the Church of Saint Blaise. The event drew a large congregation seeking relief from the plague, with the monstrance’s radiant display of Saint Sebastian’s relic serving as a focal point of communal hope. Another intriguing detail is the modern analysis of the relic, revealing periostitis in the metatarsal bone. This inflammatory condition, possibly interpreted in medieval times as a mark of martyrdom, adds a layer of human suffering to the relic’s sacred narrative, bridging faith and science.

The monstrance is a quintessential artifact of Late Gothic art, characterized by its verticality, intricate filigree, and ethereal lightness. Its gilded silver radiates a heavenly glow, while the rock crystal encasing the relic symbolizes purity and transparency, allowing the faithful to view the sacred bone. As a reliquary, it reflects the medieval belief in the intercessory power of saints, particularly Saint Sebastian, a patron against plagues. The monstrance’s design, featuring pinnacles and miniature architectural elements, evokes the divine, aligning with the Gothic aim to bridge the material and spiritual realms. Its use in public worship underscores its role in fostering communal faith during crises like the Black Death.

The monstrance stands 47 cm (18 1/2 inches) tall and is crafted from gilded silver and rock crystal. The gilded silver provides a luminous, durable surface, while the rock crystal serves as a transparent casing for the relic, a metatarsal bone attributed to Saint Sebastian. The bone, analyzed recently, shows signs of periostitis, an inflammatory condition, suggesting physical hardship in its owner. The monstrance’s design likely includes delicate filigree work and Gothic architectural motifs, reflecting the technical prowess of Brunswick’s goldsmiths, particularly Werner Korff, whose expertise is documented in contemporary records.

Commissioned for the Church of Saint Blaise in Brunswick, the monstrance remained a key liturgical object in the church’s inventory, linked to the Guelph Treasure. In the 20th century, it became part of the Guelph Treasure exhibition (1930–31) in Cleveland, highlighting Brunswick’s medieval heritage. Subsequently, it was gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art.