Blog Post #4

Freebie

Did you really even travel to Canterbury if you didn't buy Thomas Becket's shrine badge?

Artist: Walter of Colchester

Title: Pilgrim's Badge of the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury

Date: 1350–1400

Medium: Cast tin-lead alloy

Size: 3 1/8 x 2 1/2 x 1/8in. (7.9 x 6.4 x 0.3cm)

This badge was made in Canterbury, England. During this time, pilgrims would buy badges like this after completing a pilgrimage to a holy site. This badge was from the Canterbury Cathedral. Saint Thomas Becket’s shrine is here. Saint Thomas Becket was a martyr after being brutally killed in the cathedral in 1170. During this time in England, King Henry II had grievances with the church because they compromised his power.

This badge represents the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, a former archbishop of the Canterbury Cathedral. Thomas Becket’s body is in the center of the badge. There are models of two ships, one damaged, on the top of the badge. The space on top Thomas Becket is patterned, mostly with circles. There is a figure that is pointing to a ruby on this part of the badge. The ruby was believed to be the largest in the world. There is another figure to the right of Thomas Becket that is modeled pulling up the cover of the shrine with a rope. Below Thomas Becket is a gate-like structure.

The badge was very significant because Thomas Becket was an important martyr for Christians at this time. Having a badge from his shrine at Canterbury Cathedral was evidence of one’s pilgrimage. It also indicated the wealth that they had in order to go on the journey.

The badge looks to be somewhat damaged, but still very much intact. The artist used a lot of detail when making this badge. Thomas Becket’s body is positioned so that his hands are in a praying position. Without context, this indicates that he is a religious man. Additionally, there are lots of jewels on and surrounding the body of Thomas Becket. The artist included this to signify his wealth. The color resulted from the use of the tin and lead used to make the badge. He significantly uses texture to display the desired image. He manipulated the alloy to create the image of Thomas Becket’s body and the surrounding images and designs. He used intricate detail to display the importance of Thomas Becket. Only a famous highly respected religious figure would be intricately encrusted in medal. Also, it is evident that expensive materials were used, considering it has lasted for more than 600 years with very few damages. The artist also included designs that featured many circles, I believe these signified jewels.

To add to the importance of this piece, it is currently in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This work of art conveys that there were religious leaders that competed for power with the king. Also, it gives insight to wealth and social status. The intricacy of the badge indicated Thomas Becket as being of high social class. It signifies the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. This was an important symbol for Christians during the 14th century. For today’s viewers, it would have similar importance for Christians. It signifies the growth and adversity of the Christian church.

Sources:

Image:

"Pilgrim's Badge of the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury | Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2016. <http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/2001.310/>.