The inscription on the tablet this small angel is holding reads: “Memento mori” – A reminder of death! With the other arm, he is supporting himself on a skull. At his foot there’s an hourglass. The creator of this casket certainly didn’t use half-measures in reminding us that life is fleeting!
Confronted by death and the limits of earthly existence, the relief figures on the lid of the casket are intended to remind us of the Christian virtues: Fides (Faith), Caritas (Love) and Spes (Hope). They are accompanied by Moderatio (Moderation), Humilitas (Humility) and by Veritas, Justitia and Sapientia – Truth, Justice and Wisdom – as well as Oboedientia and Metus, Obedience and Fear-of-God.
The fine interplay of dark ebony, colourful enamel fittings and brightly-coloured figures creates the impression of a religious shrine. Before the Reformation, a prince might have donated a casket like this to a church for storing holy relics. However, this is an object made for a Kunstkammer – incorporating the finest materials and technical perfection – to remind its worldly owner that earthly life is transient and material things decay.
- Location & Dating
- probably Germany, around 1600
- Material & Technique
- Ebony, gold, enamel
- Dimenions
- H 32,0 cm, B 32,0 cm, T 22,0 cm
- Museum
- Grünes Gewölbe
- Inventory number
- V 596