The Holy Thorn Reliquary

This reliquary from Paris (c. 1400) rises as a tiered gold structure studded with enamel, sapphires, rubies, and pearls. At its center a crystal window frames a thorn believed to come from the Crown of Thorns placed on Christ’s head. Armorial plaques link the object to its patron, Jean, duc de Berry. Such lavish settings for individual thorns reflect the prestige attached to fragments of this celebrated Paris relic.