Details

Object type

fragment from the 'Temple Pyx'

Place Associated

Germany (possibly) (place of manufacture); England (possibly) (place of manufacture)

Date

circa 1140 - 1150

Materials

bronze, gilt

Dimensions

overall: 92 mm x 73 mm x 20 mm 208 g

Description

Once believed to be a fragment of a pyx, a container used to hold the Sacred Host, this piece was more likely part of a book cover, reliquary or shrine, depicting Christ’s Resurrection from the Holy Sepulchre.

An undisputed masterpiece of Romanesque metalwork, this openwork mount representing three sleeping soldiers is uncharacteristic of Burrell’s interest in medieval art due to its early date. Its rarity and provenance (as understood at the time) clearly exerted great appeal for Burrell, but a particularly persuasive factor in his purchase of it seems to have been his desire to protect it from leaving the UK for a collection in the United States. The item takes its name from its once supposed function and reported place of discovery. A note in The Gentleman’s Magazine of 1833 refers to it being found in the Temple Church, London during ‘recent’ repairs. In 1941, however, further evidence was published to cast doubt on this information.

A drawing (attributed to John Carter) was discovered in the archives of the Society of Antiquaries, showing it with five other mounts. An explanatory note describes them as ‘… found in the cabinet of the late Revd. Mr Betham Fellow of Eton College, and apprehended to be taken from a Tomb-Stone, of the age of William the Conqueror’. Betham died in 1783, decades before the supposed find date at the Temple Church. The circular hole observed by the raised hand of the central soldier is not evident in this sketch.

The other items in this sketch have yet to come to light, although interestingly a small figure in the collection of the Wallace Collection, London, possibly originated from the same workshop, if not the same piece.

This plaque has at times been considered English, German or Mosan. Neil Stratford of the British Museum suggested an English origin, supported by the piece’s appearance in England before the ‘golden age of the medieval collector’, along with its correlation in style to illustrations in contemporary English manuscripts and sculpture (see ‘English Romanesque Art 1066-1200’ (1984))

Provenance: Edward Beetham, Crofton Croker Collection, Lord Londesborough, sold Christie’s 10 July 1888, lot 698; General Pitt-Rivers; John Hunt; acquired by Sir William Burrell, 1936 for £600.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: European Bronzes and Brass Wares [except Statuary]

ID Number

5-6.139

Location

Burrell Collection