UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, French
(active c. 1500 in Tours)

Nef of Saint Ursula

c. 1500
Gold and silver, enamel
Palais de Tau, Reims

This cornelian cup in an elaborate silver gilt mount was originally a table decoration to hold utensils. It was given to Queen Anne de Bretagne by the aldermen of Tours on the occasion of her joyous entry into the city in 1500. Its lid, shaped like a ship's bridge, was enlivened by picturesque figures of courtiers and soldiers. A few years later, the queen had the piece transform into a reliquary, replacing the original figures with others, in gold and silver, of St Ursula and her companion.