Silver reliquary bust

Download original image

Silver reliquary bust

Description

A silver reliquary bust of Saint Patrick. The piece consists of a tonsured head, made in France, with a hinged top. There is an oval grille in the top of the head to allow the relic to be seen. The head is placed on an octagonal base with quatrefoil decoration: this was made in Ireland and is inset with nine crystals. The piece is supported by seven crouching lions. There is an inscription around the bust which reads: Dominus Jacobus Butler Iarius/Iarins Comes De Ormond Justiciar Ins Hibernie Hoc Opus Fieri Fecit Ad Honorem Sancti Patricii [Lord James Butler, Earl of Ormond, Justiciar of the island of Ireland, had me made in honour of St Patrick]. French and Irish.

Get fun and creativity in your inbox

Enter your details to sign up to our newsletter.