Box

Unknown

15th century · Silver · Medieval Art

Boxes such as this one (olearia, or vessels for oil) have circular braces on the inside that hold vials of the three kinds of consecrated oil used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Extreme Unction (anointing the sick). The oils are also used for the ordination of priests and the blessing of altars, fonts, bells, and liturgical vessels that will come into contact with the Eucharist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Silver

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Judge Irwin Untermyer, 1947