Browse Items (972 total)

Description
Both sides of this terracotta ampulla (pilgrim flask) are decorated with the same scene in relief: Saint Menas in prayer, flanked by two kneeling camels within a circular border of dots or studs. The saint stands frontally, arms held…

Commentary
Flasks bearing images of Saint Menas are not uncommon in Egypt. Menas was a Roman soldier who was martyred; veneration of him as a saint centered on an oasis near Alexandria. On better-preserved ampullae bearing the same scene, the…

Museum Commentary: “Flasks bearing images of Saint Menas are not uncommon in Egypt. Menas was a Roman soldier who was martyred; veneration of him as a saint centered on an oasis near Alexandria. On better-preserved ampullae bearing the same scene,…

Pilgrim-token; terracotta; medallion depicting on one side the Nativity, the Virgin on the left.

According to the inscription on this lead vial or ampulla, it contained oil from the wood of the true cross, obtained from the Holy Land. At the sites of sacred events, pilgrims could acquire “eulogiae,” literally “blessings,” in the form of tokens…

Snuff or pill box made from reengraved copper alloy coin bent into concave and soldered to copper collar; detachable lid made from copper alloy coin bent into concave. (whole)
Britannia, draped, helmeted, seated right on shield, holding trident in…

The Hague, KB, 76 F 5, fol. 1r: Plan of Jerusalem and scene of the knights of the cross. Potentially made as a Psalter/the prefatory cycle preceding a Psalter