thumb|The Shrine of the Three Kings in [[Cologne Cathedral]]

thumb|Another view

thumb|Shrine of the Three Kings Köln

The Shrine of the Three Kings (German Dreikönigsschrein or Der Dreikönigenschrein), Tomb of the Three Kings, or Tomb of the Three Magi 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 reliquaries in the Western world. 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 in gold-plated silver. Eight centuries later in 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa took the relics of the Magi from the church of Saint Eustorgio in Milan and gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne, Rainald of Dassel, who was also the imperial Archchancellor of Italy. In 1164, Rainald transferred these relics to Cologne where the shrine for the three kings was built. Their bones were wrapped in white silk and returned to the shrine. The relics have since attracted a constant stream of pilgrims to Cologne.

Parts of the shrine were designed by the famous medieval goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun, who began to work on it in 1180. It was completed circa 1225. Other parts of the shrine were decorated during the time of Archbishop Philip von Hensberg with additional jewels and gold placed on it. Scholar Lisa Victoria Ciresi notes that these precious jewels are said to evoke images of the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Albertus Magnus described the appearance of the stolen cameo in a note. In October 1586, the cameo was later offered in Rome to Fulvio Orsini, a Flemish dealer. It was discovered to have been fractured during the times of the robbery, but it was repaired with an armored piece called a gorget, which was made of steel or leather, and a golden frame.

<blockquote>Note: "Just as the coin of Philipp in Hartzheim, historia rei nummariae coloniensis Table 3 No. 14, 16, (1754), yet without its circumscription; the other (coin) is in square form, showed in the center a cross, accompanied by the sword of jurisdiction, and the crosier (bishop's crook) on either side, also without transcription, most certainly it is not younger and can be assumed perhaps to turn out to be a coin by Rainald [of Dassel]."</blockquote>

Identity of the Three Magi

Images of the three Kings are located in the bottom middle of the sanctuary, offering gifts in this order according to the Gospel of Matthew: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to Mary on the throne holding infant Jesus. The elaborate metalwork on the shrine was made by Nicholas of Verdun, from Verdun, now in France, a small city on the banks of the Meuse River. The enamel panels depict Biblical narratives and iconographies of the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, various saints and the Biblical Magi. Sculptural elements are seen on the shrine's figures. Mosan artists used techniques such as champlevé enamel, filigree, and cloisonné in their works.

References

  • Dreikönigenschrein on the Cologne Cathedral site.
  • Information concerning the relics of the three kings (in German)
  • Images of the shrine Requires some navigation: go to "image database", click "search page", type "dreikönigenschrein" in "Freitext" field, and click "Suchen" (search).
  • Mark Rose, "The Three Kings & the Star"