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Golden Bust Reliquary of St. Paul

Northwestern Germany

around 1070 | Base reworking: Rhineland (?), 2nd quarter of the 13th century

Oak wood core; gold sheet; filigree; gemstones; glass flux; pearls

Domschatz Münster, Inv.-Nr. E.2

The bust of Paul is the oldest Paul reliquary in the cathedral. At the same time, it is the oldest surviving bust reliquary of a Christian saint.

Through the precious adornment of the Paul bust with gold sheet and gemstones, the human Paul is no longer depicted. Rather, it reflects the heavenly nature of the saint who is already with God.

Further interesting information about the reliquary.

Gold bust reliquary of the Apostle Paul, third quarter of the 11th century, Inv. No. E.2, © St. Paul's Cathedral 2026, Cathedral Administration, Photo: Stephan Kube, D-48268 Greven
Gold bust reliquary of the Apostle Paul, third quarter of the 11th century, Inv. No. E.2, © St. Paul's Cathedral 2026, Cathedral Administration, Photo: Stephan Kube, D-48268 Greven