container;
religious/ritual equipment;
disc
- Museum number
- 1999,1002.1
- Description
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Lead Agnus Dei container, circular, hinged. Inside there is the original wax disc. The exterior of both faces is decorated with the Lamb of God with blood flowing form its breast to fill a chalice. The Lamb stands on a base which is inscribed. Around the edge is another inscription.
- Production date
- 15thC
- Dimensions
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Diameter: 48 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
-
Agnus Deis are circles of wax made from the remains of the Paschal candle and Holy Chrism which was blessed by the Pope. This is the only known example of an Agnus Dei container from Britain containing its original wax.
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A comparative Agnus Dei container is held at the Kerk Sint-Catharina in Maaseik, Belgium. See the object file for further images and correspondence.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Good.
- Acquisition date
- 1999
- Acquisition notes
- The Agnus Dei container was acquired from Quaritch in 1999. It was discovered at the site of the Globe Theatre in 1989, passed to Mr. Morgan, then to Spinks and then to Christie's South Kensington, when it was sold (lot.51) on 3rd November 1993. Quaritch acquired the container at the Christie's sale.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1999,1002.1