Lot 32A
Europe, Medieval Period, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A fragment of a pilgrim tin-lead alloy badge depicting a horse and rider - the steed adorned by granulated circular motifs on its body and bridle and well as presenting with a wavy mane and tail - the rider's body donning a cloak with delineated flowing drapery - the reins also visible. Just who did this badge depict? Perhaps St. George slaying the dragon or St. Martin of Tours - regardless, though a fragment, what remains is exquisitely rendered. Size: 3" L x 1.875" H (7.6 cm x 4.8 cm)
People of the Middle Ages went on pilgrimages to the tomb of a saint, or a site where relics of a saint(s) were venerated. The pilgrim might pray at a shrine in order to thank the saint for miraculous healing or cure. However, for some the journey itself was a means of purification. In addition to voluntary pilgrimages, some pilgrimages were a form of punishment imposed by the courts or the Church. A person might have been ordered to make a pilgrimage to Rome for example, remain there for several years, and bring back some evidence like a pilgrim badge. Besides wearing a voluminous cloak (the pelerine) and a large hat with a wide brim, carrying a wooden pilgrims staff, a scrip (a pilgrim's flask) and a rosary, the most important signs of a pilgrim were the petite pewter pilgrims' badges he pinned to his hat, scrip, or cloak. At every pilgrimage site, a pilgrim could acquire a pilgrims' badge sold as a consecrated souvenir of the sacred place, just as they can do this today.
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
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#160496
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece; missing horse's legs, head, and tail and rider's head, shoulders, arms, and feet as shown. Rich patina with excellent remaining detail.
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