Chasse Reliquaries
Chasse reliquaries were the most common type of reliquary used in the middle ages of the Christian church. These reliquaries resemble a church or tumb, calling back to the origin of many relics at the tombs of saints that were revered by static communities. Chasse reliquaries could also be known as caskets due to their shape. They were easily portable due to their small size. Most chasse reliquaries were decorated using enamel around a wooden core. These reliquaries were able to be produced at a cheaper price than many of the more elaborate reliquaries commissioned for Cathedrals and wealthy parishes. Due to this, they became one of the most prominent examples of reliquaries throughout the church and could be used in smaller parishes. They frequently would display narratives of the life of the saint whose relics were kept within them, or single images portraying universal figures of the Christian tradition such as angels, saints, or Christ.
The Chasse with the Crucifixion and Christ in Majesty portrays a common scene found decorating many reliquaires: Christ seated on a throne on the top of the chasse, with saints surrounding him. The bottom part of the chasse also depicts an iconic image, that of Christ crucified. Employed on this reliquary is the common champlevé enamel technique most prominently in blue and green colors. Its simple form and sturdy composition ensured that it would stand the test of time and protect the relic within.