Collection Des Pierres Antiques Dont La Chasse Des Ss. Trois Rois Mages Est Enrichie Dans L'Eglise Metropolitaine A Cologne. Gravées Aprés Leurs Empreintes Avec Un Discours Historique Analogue Par J. P. N. M. V.
RA Collection: Book
Record number
05/2138
Imprint
(Imprimé à Bonn: dans l'Imprimerie Electorale de la Cour., 1781., Se vend chez l'Auteur & dans la dite Imprimerie.)
Physical Description
36 p., t.pl., [12] pl. (four fold.); 280 mm. (Folio.)
Contents
[T.pl.] - Préfaçe - Introduction Historique Préliminaire [incl. detailed descriptions of pl. 4-12]; [imprint of printer/publisher] - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
Plates [8-12], showing gems, and pl. [5] are unsigned. All other plates, and the engraved title-plate, are signed as drawn and engraved by C. Dupuis.
The date of printing and printer's name are printed at the end of the text, on p.36.
References
W. Schulten and A. Wolff, 'Schatzkammer und Dreikönigenschrein', in Das Kölner Dom: Lese- und Bilderbuch (1990), p.125-35; R. Hamann-Maclean, 'Nicolaus von Verdun', in Stilwandel und Persönlichkeit (1988), p.523-48; A. and M.W. Werbke, 'Theolgie, Politik und Diplomatie am Dreikönigenschrein', in Wallraf-Richartz-Jahrbuch, 46 (1985-6), p.7-73.
Summary Note
The book describes the large reliquary in Cologne cathedral, known as the shrine of the three kings, a work of the late twelfth or early thirteenth century, attributed to Nicolas of Verdun and his workshop. The shrine is constructed in the shape of an aisled church. Figures of Apostles adorn the sides of the upper part; of Prophets, the lower. The front and back elevations show the Adoration of the Magi and other images of Christ. Scenes from the life of Christ formerly appeared on the roof, but these were destroyed in 1794.
The plates show: [1] plan of Cologne cathedral; [2] front elevation of Cologne cathedral; [3] 'frontispicium sacelli, Ss. trium Regum Magorum in Ecclesia Metropolitana Coloniae ad rhenum'; [4-7] elevations of the reliquary; [8-12] gems.
Provenance
Ordered to be purchased on 21 April 1841 (RA Council Minutes, IX, 187).
Binding Note
19th-century half calf, red watered-papered boards; red morocco spine-label lettered 'Pierres Antiques A Cologne', spine lettered 'R.A.'
Christian art and symbolism - Saints - Apostles - Prophets - Iconography
Gems - Goldwork - Metal-work - Reliquaries - Shrines (structures) - Church furniture and decoration - Churches - Cathedrals - Germany - Cologne - History - 12th century - 13th century - Romanesque
Art history - Germany - 18th century
Pictorial works - Germany - 18th century