Lot number 2 - Auction 165
BÜSTENRELIQUIAR VERMUTLICH HEILIGE URSULA

BUST RELIQUARY, PROBABLY OF SAINT URSULA Cologne or the Middle Rhine region, 14th century Walnut wood, sculpted in relief, old polychrome paint, openwork quatrefoil opening in the center. H. 26, W. 20, D. 14 cm, weight approx. 1.18 kg. Rare Gothic bust reliquary, likely depicting Saint Ursula, from the Cologne or Middle Rhine region of the 14th century. The early Christian martyr and patron saint of the city of Cologne was one of the most venerated saints in the Rhineland. The high-quality carved bust depicts the saint in an idealized manner with a serene, spiritual expression. Condition: some losses of the polychrome paint, minor chips. Expert opinion: Acquired at Lempertz, inventory number '299494', Cologne.