The Langeais Reliquary

The reliquary dates from the 13th century and is the oldest object in the collection of the Chateau of Langeais. It was conserved last year by sculpture conservator Laure de Guiran, thanks to a grant from the Fondation Lefoulon-Delalande. The reliquary is polychrome and gilded wood, set with rock crystal cabuchons and carvings representing the Apostles on the sides and the wise and foolish virgins on the lid. I'm afraid we got a certain amount of juvenile entertainment out of the wise and foolish virgins.

The conservator removed layers of varnish wax and bronzine (metallic powders in oil, much used in the 19th century) which had oxidised and blackened. Then she cleaned the reliquary and reattached original paint that had flaked off. Her work revealed original gilding and paint, including flesh tones on the carved characters and the colours of their garments, as well as decorative punchwork.

There is an article in English on the Loire Valley Tourist Office website about the reliquary and its conservation, which you can read here. There is also a short video with English subtitles about the conservation which you can see here, or, if you visit the chateau, it is shown alongside the reliquary itself.

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For details of our private guided tours of chateaux, gardens, wineries, markets and more please visit the Loire Valley Time Travel website. We would be delighted to design a tour for you.