Vier relikwieënkasten in de vorm van sculpturen uit de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek in Tongeren, opgesteld op een tentoonstelling over religieuze objecten uit de middeleeuwen en renaissance in 1864 in Mechelen before 1866

This photograph by Joseph Maes captures four reliquary chests from the Our Lady Basilica in Tongeren, Belgium. These reliquaries, in the shape of sculptures, were displayed at an 1864 exhibition in Mechelen focusing on religious objects from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Maes, a Belgian photographer born in 1838, captured the intricate detail and craftsmanship of these sacred vessels, offering a glimpse into the rich history of religious art and the devotion of past generations. The reliquaries, likely made of silver and adorned with religious motifs, demonstrate the artistry and skill of medieval and renaissance artisans. This photograph is a valuable historical document, highlighting the significance of these religious objects and their place in the broader context of European art history.