Lot Essay
The Reliquary of the Holy Thorn is a highly important example of goldsmith and enamel work, and forms part of the Waddesdon Bequest in the British Museum. It was originally in the Schatzkammer in Vienna, but was entrusted to Salomon Weininger for restoration in the 1860s. Weininger, an antique dealer, copied the reliquary and sent the replica back to the officials in Vienna, who attributed the difference in its appearance to the work which had been carried out. The original reliquary eventually entered the collection of Baron Anselm de Rothschild, by whom it was given to the British Museum.
A silver version of this reliquary, also attributed to Weininger, was recently offered for sale in London (Sotheby's, 5 December, 1993, lot 263). The appearance of this example in gold is evidence of the extent of the demand for 'medieval' works of art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A silver version of this reliquary, also attributed to Weininger, was recently offered for sale in London (Sotheby's, 5 December, 1993, lot 263). The appearance of this example in gold is evidence of the extent of the demand for 'medieval' works of art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.