Reliquary triptych of the Holy Cross

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Reliquary Triptych of the Holy Cross. Crafted by a Mosan workshop around 1220-1230, this masterpiece is made from intricately carved wood and adorned with chiseled silver, repousse, gilded details, mixed enamels, filigree, cabochons, niello, and brown varnishes. A dummy relic made of plaster adds to its authenticity. This stunning work of art can be found in the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire at the Musée du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium. The cult of the Cross reached a fever pitch in the Meuse region during the 12th century, fueled by the Crusades. Precious relics brought back from the East were often preserved and displayed in triptychs, a type of reliquary with Byzantine-inspired shutters. The holy relic was once nestled within the double traverse cross at the heart of the reliquary. Follow me on Twitter @GeoffreyMarchal for more updates on art and history.