Middelfart Crown

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The Middelfart Crown
The Middelfart Crown and the necklace with which it was found

The Middelfart Crown (Danish: Middelfartkronen) is an early 16th-century bridal crown discovered in 1933 during construction work beneath the central marketplace in Middelfart, Denmark. It is now on display in the National Museum of Denmark.

Discovery[edit]

The Middelfart Crown was discovered in 1933 when the cobbling of the central marketplace in Middelfart was being renewed. It was located in a small stone-clad cavity, possibly a former fireplace. It was found together with a necklace with a pendant reliquary cross. The cavity of the reliquary cross was empty.[1]

Description[edit]

The crown is made of gilded silver with traces of enamel. It has a maximum diameter of 26 cm (10 in), measures 11 cm (4.3 in) tall, and has an original weight of approximately 430 g (15 oz). The circlet consists of six segments, each of which are decorated with three five-leaved rosettes with traces of enamel. The 12 points, of which three are missing, are shaped like lilies. They were originally decorated with heart-shaped leaves.[1][2]

Interpretation[edit]

It is believed that it has been worn by a St. May figure in the local St. Nicolas' Church and loaned out to brides.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Middelfartkronen". lex.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Votivkrone (o.1520) og relikviekors (o. 1500)". Nationalmuseet (in Danish). Retrieved 16 June 2022.