Artwork Page for Coffret with Woodcut of Saint Veronica's Vernicle

Details / Information for Coffret with Woodcut of Saint Veronica's Vernicle

Coffret with Woodcut of Saint Veronica's Vernicle

Coffret: c. 1515; Woodcut: c. 1509
printed by

Hans Burgkmair the Elder

(German, 1473–1531)
Culture
Coffret: France, probably Paris; Woodcut: Germany, Augsburg
Medium
Wood, leather, iron, textile, woodcut with stenciled coloring
Measurements
Overall: 28 x 18.5 x 10 cm (11 x 7 5/16 x 3 15/16 in.); Sheet with print: 29 x 19 cm (11 7/16 x 7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2020.228
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

A secret compartment on the top lid of this coffer may have held a relic, consecrated host, or valuable document.

Description

This remarkable object is thought to have functioned as a traveling case to keep small valuables and books, as well as a provisional altar. Made in France around 1515, the interior lid is affixed with a devotional woodcut made in Germany, imported, and colored for the purpose. Featuring an image of the veil of Saint Veronica, the text at the bottom of the woodcut guides the user in prayer to the holy image of Christ’s face which has been miraculously imprinted on the veil, an action that held promise of indulgences (a reduction in one’s punishment for sins). Presumably, the owner carried the box on a journey, retrieved a prayer book from inside, and propped it open in order to practice daily prayers.
Rectangular, wood box covered in dark-brown leather with vertical metal bands running across the sides and the top, bolted at each end. On the short side, a clasp folds down the center, extending all the way down the side, over it extending a narrow, triangular, tree-like shape, curling at the top. Left and right, rectangular panels have vertical rectangles protruding out with two heart and four apostrophe shapes cut out on either side.

Coffret with Woodcut of Saint Veronica's Vernicle

Coffret: c. 1515; Woodcut: c. 1509

Hans Burgkmair the Elder

(German, 1473–1531)
Coffret: France, probably Paris; Woodcut: Germany, Augsburg

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