Reliquaries in Society

This image – created by Bernard Baron and sourced from and currently not on display at the British Museum (The British Museum) – is an example of a reliquary being used in society and its evident importance. The reliquary is near the top left-hand corner of the image, and appears to be placed on top of an altar, in the middle of two lit candles. Judging from the position of the characters, what they are looking at and what their body language appears to be, it seems as though the adult figures in the picture are paying their respects or homage to the reliquary. This can be said because they are all looking at the reliquary, seem slightly bent forward as if bowing or are even on their knees – which is often considered a sign of respect – and the adult figure in the middle even has a hand placed over his heart. Since the background of the image resembles clouds, and the flame on either candle seems to be slanted in the same direction – which resembles a breeze pushing the flame in the direction it is going in – one could say this altar and reliquary are outside. This can suggest the reliquary is of such importance to its society that is located in such a way that ensures maximum reception – which would be outdoors versus inside a church where only so many people can fit.