German, Southern Germany
Reliquary Pendant: Pelicans, about 1510
Silver and crystal, 7.7 x 4.1 x 2 cm (3 1/16 x 1 5/8 x 13/16 in.)
This silver and crystal German reliquary pendant was used to hold relics. This silver pendant is in the form of an eagle-like bird standing on its legs with outstretched wings. The wings and legs are etched. The clear crystal triangular shaped body has a crucifix enclosed in it. The bird’s head looks downward and has a loop atop its head. The bird stands on a branch and there are two small penguins between the bird’s legs. They face each other with outstretched wings. The back of the crucifix can be viewed through the crystal from the backside. Gracefully etched tail feathers are also visible.
Long Gallery
Commentary
This image symbolizes Christ's future suffering for man's salvation. Just as the pelican pierced its breast to feed its young, Christ sacrificed himself for the future of mankind. The crystal center of this German silver pendant was made to hold a holy relic, which could have been a fragment of bone, skin, or hair of a sacred individual. Isabella purchased it on a trip to Munich, Germany in 1897 when she and her husband Jack were surely discussing her future museum and its collection. She placed it with other liturgical items in the Ecclesiastical Case in the Long Gallery.