Since precise information is lacking, it cannot be stated with certainty that this reliquary really does hold a piece of bone from the foot of Saint James Major. It body part form, much in vogue at the time, dates from after the work produced by Brother Hugo and the relic itself was part of a bequest by Jacques de Vitry. Worth noting is the representation of the saint on the oval upper plaque in gilded copper.
Foot reliquary of Saint James Major
Oignies workshop (?)
c.1250
Oak, silver, copper, gold, enamel, precious stones (topazes, sapphires, pearls, etc.)
14 x 25 cm
Donated by the Sisters of Notre-Dame de Namur
Musée provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois-Trésor d'Oignies (TreM.a)
Inv. no. TO 17