852 - Holy Bishop of Milan

Holy Bishop of Milan Reliquary bust 18th century Wooden body with silver-plated brass embossed in relief and set with gemstones Height 99 cm, width 42 cm This figure of a holy bishop may be associated with the veneration of important religious figures in a city. The miter and vestments signify his episcopal rank. The bust depicts a bearded man with a striking face turned directly forward. Prominent brow ridges and pronounced forehead bulges, almond-shaped eyes, and a large, straight nose define his features. A full beard frames his small mouth. The tall miter features a red gemstone at its center and is adorned with relief leaf motifs that curl into volutes and are bound together by ribbon-like elements. Two ribbons hanging down at the back complement the bishop’s headdress. The equally richly designed robe features a border set with turquoise and other gemstones. Acanthus-like leaves, curled forms, and calyx-shaped flowers cover its surface, evoking the appearance of precious brocade. Beneath it, a densely pleated undergarment is visible. The embossed metal overlay combines the figure’s sculptural modeling with an elaborate ornamental design. A richly decorated base continues this stylistic language. Above an egg-and-dart frieze rises a volute-shaped structure with a central leaf motif, into which a dark green gemstone is set. Ornaments curling outward on the sides end in flowers and lend the base a dynamic contour. The monumental height and the colored gemstone inlay underscore the bust’s ceremonial character. This may be a reliquary bust. Placed on altars or in church treasuries, such busts gave the veneration of relics an impressive, visible form. The precious design honored the saint and emphasized the special significance of the relics enshrined within them.