Goldsmith’s art

For millenia, gold has been treasured as an especially precious metal. Through its lustre, it is possible to achieve unique effects in art. Gold was furthermore legitimised as a material for Christian cult objects through symbolic interpretation: the Heavenly Jerusalem was supposedly surrounded by golden walls studded with gemstones. In medieval Cologne, treasury art of the highest artistic quality was produced by applying casting, repoussé, engraving and chasing techniques and colourfully combining the precious metal with other metals, gemstones and enamel.

Gilded cross with ornate, delicate engravings.

So-called Cross of St. Modoaldus, reverse side of an altar cross, workshop of Roger von Helmarshausen, c. 1107, copperplate with remnants of gilding, 42 x 33.5 cm, Inv. No. G 579, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Round gold plate with an image of Jesus. He sits on a throne and holds a shovel in his right hand.

Christ with the Winnowing Fan, Cologne, 1150-1160, gilt copper, 16.4 x 14.5 cm, inv. no. G 578, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Front side of a book. In the center is the golden figure of a seated man. He holds a book in his left hand. His right is raised.

Cover of a Carolingian Book of Gospels, Cologne, c. 1170-1180 (manuscript St-Amand, c. 860-880), champlevé enamel, filigree and decorative stones, gilt silver relief, Inv. No. G 531, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

A golden panel, in the center of which is an image of Mary with the baby Jesus on her lap.

Golden Panel from St. Ursula, Cologne, c. 1170-1180, painting: late 14th/early 15th cent. and 19th cent., oak, cahmplevé enamel, gilt-stucco plaques, gilded sheet metal, 114 x 218 cm, inv. G 564, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Small box with filigree decorations.

Small Reliquary Box with the Martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, Limoges, 1195-1200, enamel, 20.2 x 17.9 x 8.2 cm, Inv. No. G 535, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Cylinder-shaped container standing on four gold-plated paws. The center is made of set rock crystal.

Reliquary Pendant,
Cologne, 2nd half of 13th cent., rock crystal, gilt silver studded with glass, 8 x 3.3 x 1.7 cm, inv. G 392, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Upper end of a bishop's crook. The roundel is blue with gold edging and decoration. Inside the roundel are the figure of an angel and an animal on two paws.

Crook of a Bishop’s or Abbot's Crosier,
Limoges, c. 1125-1235, gilt copper with enamel, h. 21 cm, inv. G 524, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Gold plated container with colored glass trim. At the bottom hangs a gilded bird.

Reliquary Pendant, Cologne, 2nd half of 13th cent., rock crystal, gilt silver studded with glass, 8 x 3.3 x 1.7 cm, inv. G 392, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Sword with filigree decorated scabbard. The pommel of the sword is decorated with the image of a butterfly.

Sword from St. Georg in Cologne with Matching Scabbard,
Cologne, 1st half 14th cent., blade: Italy, 14th cent. (?), steel blade, gilt silver with silver enamel, leather, wood, 105 x 17.5 x 2.4 cm (scabbard 85.5 x 8 x 1.8 cm), inv. G 494 a, b, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Gilded monstrance with many pointed turrets.

Monstrance,
Cologne, c. 1425-1450, gilt copper with glass cylinder, h. 72 cm, inv. G 563, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

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