Cleveland Museum of Art

Coffret with Woodcut of Saint Veronica's Vernicle

Hans Burgkmair the Elder

Date

Coffret: c. 1515; Woodcut: c. 1509

Medium

Wood, leather, iron, textile, woodcut with stenciled coloring

Culture

Coffret: France, probably Paris; Woodcut: Germany, Augsburg

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.