Cathedral Treasury, Trier

Crozier of Archbishop Henry of Finstingen (1260-86)

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Crozier of Archbishop Henry of Finstingen (1260-86)

This crozier (bishop's staff) was found in 1851 in the grave of Archbishop Henry of Finstingen (1260-86) in Trier Cathedral. Also buried with him were the other signs of his ecclesiastical authority: his mitre, ring, seal, and pectoral cross.

The symbolism of bishops' croziers derives from the scepters of ancient emperors but also the staffs of shepherds. A third association is a judge's rod, representing the bishop's jurisdictional authority.

This crozier is made of bronze ornamented with Limoges enamel and gold leaf. The crook is shaped like the coiling tail of a dragon ornamented with tendrils. The dragon's head appears in the center with his tongue out.

At the base of the crook is a crowned winged figure holding a book, with small drops of blue enamel imitating precious stones in his crown. Below this is an open-work pommel composed of winding monsters with long tails and flowery tendrils. All the dragons and the winged figure probably served to ward off evil.

1/2/08 1:36 PM
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