Greek
Reliquary: Saint Demetrius Slaying Lyaeos, 1859
metal, 6.4 x 7.1 x 1.1 cm (2 1/2 x 2 13/16 x 7/16 in.)
This gold-colored metal reliquary, is an almost square, thin box with a groove on the top edge allowing the metal top to slide open in order to insert a relic. The front of the reliquary is decorated with a bas-relief carving of a man with a halo, wearing armor with a cloak flowing behind him, carrying a sword, and riding on a saddled horse. The horse can be seen trampling on the body of a man. The figures and horse are carved in considerable detail, showing facial features of each figure and textures, such as the sheen of the armor and the hairs in horse’s mane and tail. A short inscription in Greek letters is carved in the metal on either side of the Saint’s head and the numbers “18” and “25” are inscribed behind and in front of the horse. The back of the reliquary has an etched Latin cross in the center, planted in a small mound from which two tall and several small plants arise. Two swords pierce the ends of the cross and the points are buried in the mound below. A simple gold-colored metal chain is attached to loops at the top sides.
metal, 6.4 x 7.1 x 1.1 cm (2 1/2 x 2 13/16 x 7/16 in.)