Following
the tradition of the Mosan style chasse reliquaries, built with pitched roofs reminiscent
of miniature buildings or sarcophagi. In this case, being a reliquary built for
the Three Kings, the design combined three such chasses atop each other, resulting
in a shape that resembles a basilica with side naves. With a length of over 7 feet,
the Dreikönigenschrein, as it is called in German, is the largest reliquary in
the world.
The core
structure of the reliquary is built out of oak, with several compartments. This
wooden structure is entirely clad with a profuse decoration consisting of gold-plated
metal with colorful fire enamels and jewels. This spectacular ornamentation has
a very complete iconographic program, the sides being divided by arches into
smaller sections, each containing cast and chiseled figures and scenes. The
total weight of the reliquary is over half a tonne.
The main façade
is dominated by Christ in Majesty, accompanied by Archangels and Angels, while
in the lower arches we find a double scene, the Epiphany, with the Theotokos in
the center, and the Baptism of the Lord. This is due to the fact that during
the time both were celebrated on January 6. A central panel is removed on the
feast day to reveal the skulls of Melchior Caspar and Balthazar. The opposite
side presents scenes of the Flagellation and Crucifixion, surmounted by the
Resurrected Christ.
Each of the
arches on the sides contains a single figure representing the union of the Old
and New Testament. On the lower level we see kings David and Salomon presiding
each side, accompanied by prophets and patriarchs. The second level features
the twelve apostles, each holding a miniature church in their hands. Like in
many other cases, Matthias has been replaced with Paul. The roofs of both
levels once bore scenes of the life of Christ and the Apocalypse, now lost.
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The Epiphany. Enamel, filigree, precious stones, pearls and even roman cameos adorn the gilded scenes. |
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The facade with the open panel, revealing the relics of the Three Kings. |
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The Crucifixion |
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St John the apostle, holding a model church or city. Busts of virtues decorate the spaces between the arches. |
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King Solomon flanked by prophets and patriarchs. The round medallions on the roof contained at one time scenes from the life of Christ. |
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The prophet Joachim on the lower tier. Images: Köelner Dom |
Construction
ground to a halt in the 1600s, with the nave still incomplete. The next
century saw the introduction of new baroque styles and a new marble shrine was
built completely enclosing the reliquary, which remained only visible through a
grille.
After
almost three centuries, building was finally resumed during the 19th century. According
the gothic revival tastes of the time, the baroque shrine was dismantled and
the reliquary moved to the choir. Plans were drawn by architect August
Rincklake for a new high altar shrine, elevating the relics on a platform
25feet above the nave, and included a monumental ciborium and Lettner (rood
screen). These ambitious designs were never realized and since then the
Reliquary has been displayed in a simple glass case above the high altar.
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The first shrine in the "new" Gothic Cathedral. Dombauarchiv. |
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The baroque shrine, completed in 1690, was dismanteled in 1889. It has since been re-installed in the Cathedral as a side altarpiece. Dombauarchiv. |
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August Rincklake's unexecuted designs. 19th century. Rheinisches Bildarchiv Köln. |
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1950, Priestly Ordinations by Cardinal Frings. Robert F. Berger Archive. |