Monza ampullae
Type:
Pilgrim souvenirs,
Flasks
Date:
ca. 600
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Israel
Medium:
Lead
Dimensions:
Average diameter of 5 to 9 cm
Description:
Pope Gregory the Great (r. 590–604) corresponded with the Lombard queen Theodelinda (d. 625) in an attempt to convert the Lombards of Italy from Arianism to Catholicism. After Theodelinda, her husband Agilulf (r. 590–615), and their son became Catholics, Gregory presented gifts to the Lombard queen, including holy oil in ampullae. These precious objects subsequently enriched the treasuries of the Cathedral of Monza and Bobbio Abbey, both associated with Theodelinda's patronage.
Ampullae of the type preserved in large numbers in Monza are often called Monza ampullae even though they were originally produced in the Holy Land. These round flasks were cast in metal (often tin-lead alloys) and were designed to collect oil from pilgrimage sites, often those associated with the life of Jesus. They were sometimes fitted with loops that allowed the ampulla to be worn around the neck. Their low-relief imagery often depicts buildings and shrines in Jerusalem or biblical scenes. The example shown here, from the Cleveland Museum of Art, is still known as a "Monza" or "Bobbio" type even though it is in an American collection. This particular example has Christ's Crucifixion on the front and the Ascension on the back.
Ampullae of the type preserved in large numbers in Monza are often called Monza ampullae even though they were originally produced in the Holy Land. These round flasks were cast in metal (often tin-lead alloys) and were designed to collect oil from pilgrimage sites, often those associated with the life of Jesus. They were sometimes fitted with loops that allowed the ampulla to be worn around the neck. Their low-relief imagery often depicts buildings and shrines in Jerusalem or biblical scenes. The example shown here, from the Cleveland Museum of Art, is still known as a "Monza" or "Bobbio" type even though it is in an American collection. This particular example has Christ's Crucifixion on the front and the Ascension on the back.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3
Repository and Online Resources:
• The Monza ampullae are on display in Monza's Museo e Tesoro del Duomo.
• Learn more about this ampulla on the website of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
• See an ampulla of a similar type in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
