Toul cathedral’s treasure room, which had lost its original purpose for almost two hundred years, has been completely refurbished to mark the 800th anniversary of this historic site. Since mid-June and until 17 November 2024, a remarkable thematic exhibition on the episcopal rings has taken up residence in this place steeped in history. A first in Europe, and a great opportunity to visit Toul if you’re travelling to the east of France!
1-Pontificalia
Symbolic of a spiritual union, episcopal rings are part of the large family of Pontificalia, or symbols of belonging to the Church. They are given to bishops at their consecration and bear witness to the Church’s dignity and jurisdiction. Pontifical rings are also part of this large family of objects whose materiality has great symbolic significance. Although the exact date of use of the episcopal ring is not known, texts seem to show that it was used from the 4th century onwards. Worn on the right ring finger in all circumstances, it is a visible attribute and meant to be seen.
The church liturgy specifies the role of the ring in the bishop-diocese relationship: ” take this ring, the seal of your fidelity; protect with faith and love the Spouse of God, His Holy Church ” and it is customary for the faithful to kiss it when meeting a bishop, as a sign of reverence for the faith conveyed by the symbolism of the ring.
For a long time very imposing, the appearance of these rings has changed somewhat since the Second Vatican Council, when they gradually became more discreet and less ostentatious. For a long time, the bishop’s ring was a remarkable object from a jewellery point of view, often adorned with stones of imposing size: amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnets, emeralds, etc.
2- an exhibition not to be missed
Around the rings ofEndulus and Hugues des Hazards, bishops of Toul in the 7th and 16th centuries, the exhibition features some forty episcopal rings showing how shapes and decorations have evolved over the centuries to the present day. The jewels are on loan from Notre-Dame de Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne, Angers, Liège, Nantes, Limbourg, Metz and Nancy.
The exhibition takes place in the Treasure Room, an intimate alcove measuring just a few square metres built between the apse and the south tower. A tiny, discreet door provides access to the room. Its purpose? To preserve relics, the most precious objects in a church, and objects of worship for which the liturgy requires them to be made, at least in part, of noble metal. Known from various inventories drawn up between the 16th and 18th centuries, Toul Cathedral’s treasury has preserved some magnificent objects throughout its long history. The conversion of this space into a museum will enable it to continue to fulfil its original purpose.
The exhibition showcases a number of religious objects, including an exceptional reliquary: the Saint-Clou reliquary, designed to preserve a nail used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Made between
the 10th century and the 1st quarter of the 15th century, it was modified during the 19th century. Made from rock crystal; repoussé, engraved and gilded silver; pearls, garnets, amethysts, sapphires and emeralds; and gilded copper, it is part of the heritage collection of Toul’s Cathedral of Saint-Etienne.
If it’s the rings that interest you in particular, you won’t be disappointed, as the selection of objects is astonishing. Among the most memorable pieces are several rings made by the Parisian firm Mellerio dits Meller: that of Mgr de la Celle (gold, amethysts and diamonds, circa 1919), that of Cardinal Verdier (gold, diamonds and peridot, circa 1930) and that of Cardinal Festin, also attributed to Mellerio (gold, amethysts and brilliants, circa 1940).
Other remarkable pieces include a gold, diamond and sapphire ring that once belonged to Mgr d’Argenteau. You should also take a look at the catalogue of the Louis Bachelot collection (held in the Poussielgue-Rusand collection), which includes drawings of episcopal jewellery dating from 1844-1848.
You have until 17 November to make your way to Toul and visit the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. It’s a magnificent place, and you won’t regret your visit. Admission is free and the exhibition is open from 9.30am to 6.30pm every day. A beautifully illustrated catalogue has been published, and the detailed texts will give you even more information about the pieces on display.
See you soon!
