{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O102896"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O102896/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2006AE9137/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2006AE9137/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"high","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2006AE9137","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":{"_iiif_pres":"https://iiif.vam.ac.uk/collections/O102896/manifest.json","_alt_iiif_pres":[]}},"record":{"systemNumber":"O102896","accessionNumber":"M.787-1926","objectType":"Case","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"This small object may have held a wax 'agnus dei', a small tablet made from the candles blessed during the Easter ceremonies in Rome and regarded as holy. They were first made in the ninth century and often used as papal gifts.'Agnus Dei' tablets can also be made from a mixture of wax and dust believed to be the bones of martyrs. \r\n\r\nThe cover is decorated with Christ as the Lamb of God. In the Old Testament a lamb was often used for sacrifices. In St John's Gospel, the image is applied to Christ himself as the \"Lamb of God ('Agnus dei' in Latin) which takes away the sin of the world.\" Here we see the triumphant lamb bearing the flag of the Resurrection.","physicalDescription":"Circular silver case on three hemispherical feet, lid pierced and engraved with a lamb carrying a cross and banner.","artistMakerPerson":[{"name":{"text":"Unknown","id":"A1848"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""}],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[{"text":"Silver","id":"AAT11029"}],"techniques":[{"text":"Piercing","id":"AAT231153"},{"text":"Engraving","id":"AAT53829"}],"materialsAndTechniques":"Silver, pierced and engraved","categories":[{"text":"Metalwork","id":"THES48920"},{"text":"Religion","id":"THES48900"},{"text":"Christianity","id":"THES48978"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"MET","id":"THES48599"},"images":["2006AE9137"],"imageResolution":"high","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"83","id":"THES49711"},"free":"","case":"CA1","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"83","id":"THES49711"},"free":"","case":"CA1","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Case for Agnus dei","id":""}],[{"text":"Lid","id":""}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"Germany","id":"x28873"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"18th century","earliest":"1700-01-01","latest":"1800-12-31"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons Bequest","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Diameter","value":"4.50","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Height","value":"0.9","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"","marksAndInscriptions":[{"content":"","inscriber":{"name":{"text":"","id":""},"association":{"text":"","id":""}},"date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"description":"","interpretation":"","language":"","medium":"","method":"","position":"","script":"","translation":"","transliteration":"","type":"","note":"Unmarked"}],"objectHistory":"","historicalContext":"Saints and Symbols\r\nLike most religions, Christianity has a rich language of images and symbols. This iconography would have been clearly understood in the past but it may be less familiar to modern eyes. \r\n\r\nThough often decorative, the symbols used on religious metalwork also refer to the function and significance of the objects. The contemplation of religious motifs can draw   believers into a deeper understanding of their faith. Complex theological themes can be represented in a visual form. A chalice, for example, might be adorned with the tools used in the Crucifixion (the 'Instruments of the Passion') to direct the viewer's mind towards Christ's sacrifice and his death on the cross.\r\n\r\nThe use of images has caused controversy throughout Christian history. While supporters held that imagery glorified God and helped believers understand their faith better, critics attacked its use as superstition and idolatry.\r\n\r\nSaints\r\nChristians venerate saints as men and women who, through the holiness of their lives, became especially close to God. The saints include martyrs who suffered and died for their faith as well as great teachers and preachers. Their lives provide an example and inspiration for the faithful. Roman Catholics also believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God. In Christian iconography, saints are usually depicted with a distinctive object or 'attribute' associated with their martyrdom or works. For example, St Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, holds a flaying knife, and St George is shown with a dragon.","briefDescription":"Case for Agnus Dei, silver, made in Germany, eighteenth century.","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"Unique","id":"THES48864"},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":["Lamb of God","Agnus Dei"],"galleryLabels":[{"text":"Pyx with Agnus Dei\r\nA pyx (from the Greek for 'box') was used in Roman Catholic worship to contain the Sacred Host, the consecrated bread or wafer used in the Mass. \r\n\r\nThis example may have held a 'agnus dei' (Latin for 'lamb of God'), which is a cake of wax made from Easter candles and stamped with an impression of the lamb. These cakes were blessed by the pope and kept as devotional objects. They could also be made from a mixture of wax and dust believed to be the bones of martyrs. \r\n\r\nThe cover is decorated with Christ as the Lamb of God. In the Old Testament a lamb was often used for sacrifices, and in St John's Gospel the image is applied to Christ himself who takes away the sin of the world. Here we see the triumphant lamb bearing the flag of the Resurrection.\r\n\r\nGermany, 1700-1800\r\nSilver\r\nMuseum no. M.787-1926. Croft Lyons Bequest","date":{"text":"22/11/2005","earliest":"2005-11-22","latest":"2005-11-22"}}],"partNumbers":["M.787-1926","M.787:1-1926"],"accessionNumberNum":"787","accessionNumberPrefix":"M","accessionYear":1926,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE","Case for Agnus dei","Lid"],"assets":["2016JG6886"],"recordModificationDate":"2025-08-14","recordCreationDate":"2004-08-27","availableToBook":false}}