Coffer lock and key

Unknown

probably early 16th century · Wrought iron · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The shrine of Saint James the Great at the cathedral of Santiago da Compostela was one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages. Cockleshell emblems of the saint appeared everywhere in Spanish ornament, from nail heads to window grilles. They appear on the bottom end of the two giant staples by which this lock was attached to a coffer or chest. A winged monster with a fish tail ornaments the hasp of the lock; a swiveling baluster conceals the keyhole.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably early 16th century

Medium

Wrought iron

Culture

Spanish

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957