We welcome Katharina Vukadin, who recently joined the Sacrima team as a PhD Researcher.

Tentatively titled “Relic Networks in the Early Modern Period”, her dissertation project focuses on the collection of the Wittelsbach dynasty housed in the Reiche Kapelle at the Munich Residenz. With papal permission, Wilhelm V (1579–1597) systematically acquired relics across Europe. He had them set by goldsmiths from Munich and Augsburg in his residence and at the church of St. Michael which he had built. His chamber chapel thus became the repository for an important healing treasure, the “Heiltumsschatz”. The centerpiece of this collection stored in the Residence is the large Passion Reliquary with important pieces such as the cross-nail relic, a piece of the clothing of Christ, a piece from the crown of thorns, and a particle of the true cross.

Katharina will further examine how these court collections were formed and which networks spanned around it. Understanding the relationships between the different entities is key to gain better perspectives on this topic of sacred art.