Shrine of the Three Kings

Main article: Cologne Cathedral
The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral
Another view

 The Shrine of the Three Kings[1] (German Dreikönigsschrein[2] or Der Dreikönigenschrein),[3] Tomb of the Three Kings,[4] or Tomb of the Three Magi[5] is a reliquary traditionally believed to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men. This shrine is a large gilded and decorated triple sarcophagus situated above and behind the high altar of Cologne Cathedral in western Germany. Built approximately from 1180 to 1225, it is considered the high point of Mosan art by various historians and scholars, and ranks amongst the largest reliquary in the Western world.[1]

The shrine has gone through periods of damage and restoration during the 16th century. Although the shrine has always been on display, it was not until the 19th century when the relics were unveiled to the public.[6] The relics of the three kings were first exhibited to public display in the 12th century.

Adorned with intricate decorations, the shrine's surfaces narrate the stories of the three Magi, the Virgin Mary, and the life of Christ. These narratives are depicted with figures meticulously rendered gold-plated silver.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Ciresi, Lisa Victoria (2003, English), A liturgical study of the Shrine of the three kings in Cologne; Department of Art and Archaeology, Princeton University in association with Princeton University Press; ISBN 0-691-11539-7, 0-691-11538-9; Princeton, New Jersey; 2003; in re Conference: Objects, images, and the word: art in the service of the liturgy.
  2. ^ Kremer, Bruno P. (2017), Kremer, Bruno P. (ed.), "Wenige Tage nach Weihnachten – Die Heiligen Drei Könige kommen", Weihnachtsbaum und Osterhase : Unsere Jahresfeste – biologisch betrachtet (in German), Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 17–33, doi:10.1007/978-3-662-54769-4_2, ISBN 978-3-662-54769-4, retrieved 29 January 2023
  3. ^ Boch, Clemens (2012, German); Der Dreikönigenschrein im Kölner Dom. Theologische Aspekte der Darstellung; Universität zu Köln, Kunsthistorisches Institut (KHI); ISBN 978-3-668-04879-9 (print), ISBN 978-3-668-04878-2 (ebook); 2012.
  4. ^ Leslie, Frank (1872, English), "Tomb of the Three Kings"; Frank Leslie's Pleasant Hours, No. 1, Vol. XII, p. 185, Frank Leslie (publisher), New York; February–July 1872 volume.
  5. ^ Salibi, Kamal Suleiman (English, 1980); A History of Arabia; Caravan Books; New York; p. 46; ISBN 978-0-88206-036-1 (hardcover); 1980.
  6. ^ Zwierlein-Diehl, Erika (1997). "'Interpretatio Christiana': Gems on the 'Shrine of the Three Kings' in Cologne". Studies in the History of Art. 54: 62–83 – via JSTOR.