Details

LOT 1732

Medieval Dutch Pewter Holy Blood Of Wilsnack Pilgrim's Badge

14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/2 in. (6.3 grams, 39 mm).

Trilobate in plan with openwork triangle between three roundels with hatched fields, the upper two surmounted by crosses, depicting scenes from Christ's life: the crucifixion, resurrection and Christ at the Column in relief. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

Literature

Cf. Van Beuningen, H.J.E., Heilig En Profaan: 1000 Laat-Middeleleeuwse Insignes, Rotterdam Papers VIII, A Contribution to Medieval Archaeology, Netherlands, 1993, p.145, for type.

Footnotes

In 1383 AD, after fire in the town of Bad Wilsnack, Germany) three consecrated communion hosts were found undamaged in the ruins of the church. According to the legend, they were sprinkled with the Holy Blood of Christ, which made Bad Wilsnack a famous pilgrimage site. The resultant pilgrim badges were distinctive in shape with three circles arranged in a triangle and painted in red, referring to this miracle. Although the miracle was doubted by Reformation period scholars like John Hus, the final blow came in 1552, when the miraculous communion hosts were publicly burned.