UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, French
(second half of the 12th century)

Reliquary Bust of St Baudime

1150-1200
Copper-gilt over wooden core
Church of Saint-Nectaire, Saint-Nectaire

In the artistic realm, Romanesque goldsmithery played a considerable part not only in the birth and development of monumental sculpture, but also in the training of artists. The reputation of the goldsmiths crossed frontiers and their works were often cited as models. Repoussé work was one of the most fashionable techniques with goldsmiths because it rendered the relief better on the foil which, laid over a wooden core for reliquaries and altarpieces, translated on a smeller scale the aspirations of monumental sculpture. The work of reliquary busts certainly made the greatest impact on the efflorescence of Romanesque sculpture.