Relikwieënkast in de Sint-Jacobskerk in Luik, België before 1896

This is a photograph of a reliquary cabinet in the Sint-Jacobskerk in Liège, Belgium, made by Joseph Casier. Likely crafted from precious metals such as silver or gold, enhanced with enamel work, the reliquary is a testament to the skills of metalworkers. The techniques used to create such an object include casting, chasing, and engraving. The making of this reliquary can be understood within the broader context of medieval craftsmanship. The attention to detail, intricate ornamentation, and laborious process involved in its creation speak to the value placed on religious objects during this period. Skilled artisans would have been commissioned to create the reliquary. The materiality and making of this reliquary are significant, reflecting the broader economic and social context in which it was produced. It challenges traditional art history boundaries, demonstrating the convergence of artistic skill, religious devotion, and socioeconomic factors.