An unknown 18th-century artist created this painting of Saint Eligius, an altruistic artisan and bishop who lived during the time of the Merovingian Frankish kings. He was born in 588 at Chaptelet (modern Haute-Vienne) within the region of Limousin in central France. He apprenticed to a goldsmith and went on to become a renowned craftsman of ornate golden tableware, crosses, plaques, gilded furniture, and other such items that decorated the abodes of the nobility, clergy, and royalty. In particular, Eligius and his goldsmithing activities were associated with the Kingdom of Neustria, whose ruler, King Chlotar II (r. 584-629), united the embattled Frankish realms in 613 after multiple generations of Merovingian Dynasty feuding. Eligius was known to have created thrones for King Chlotar II, who, impressed by the gold craftsmanship, hired Eligius as a general supplier of golden items for the kingdom’s churches, tombs, monuments, and the royal court. Eligius also became associated with the then royal treasurer, Bobon (or Bobo), and involved himself in the minting process at Paris and Marseilles. His access and influence in the Neustrian court continued into the reigns of Chlotar’s successors, King Dagobert (r. 623-639) and King Clovis II (r. 639-657). By then, the goldsmith pivoted to join the clergy and he began to donate his considerable wealth to construction projects, such as the founding of local monasteries. It was during that mid-life change of focus when King Clovis II orchestrated Eligius’ appointment as the bishop of Noyon, Paris, in 641.
Skeptics may have wondered if the goldsmith was up to the task, given his close relationship with royalty and the king’s involvement in his appointment, but Bishop Eligius soon put worries to rest with his actions and abilities. He became a celebrated speaker, continued his support for construction projects, and also served as a respected diplomat. Despite the new duties and obligations, Bishop Eligius kept up his close relationship with the Neustrian court and the royal family. Around 648, after King Clovis II married his dominant Anglo-Saxon queen, Balthild (who was allegedly a former slave), Bishop Eligius became a counselor, confidant, and ally of the formidable woman. This was an influential relationship for Eligius to possess, for, following Clovis’ death in 657, Balthild would emerge as a talented matriarch and regent for her three sons: King Chlotar III (r. 657-673), King Childeric II (r. 662-675), and King Theodoric III (r. 673, 675, 676-690/691). Eligius and Balthild had a lot in common, notably their shared interest in the religious cloistered lifestyle, and they both were avid investors in monasteries. Interestingly, Bishop Eligius and Balthild are believed to have contributed to the decree from the Council of Chalon (c. mid 7th century) that insisted there should be restrictions on the slave trade and that slaves should be treated more humanely.
Bishop Eligius of Noyon died in 660, while Balthild was at the height of her power—she was later edged out of politics in 665, whereupon she lived as a nun at Chelles until her death in 680. As for Eligius’ posthumous reputation, his ability as a preacher and his investment in monasteries and church infrastructure gave him ample prestige for his legacy, but it was his earlier career as a goldsmith that truly gave his legend staying power. It was a time when relics were all the rage, after all, and the plentiful examples of his golden craftsmanship gave admirers a tangible, shiny vestige of his existence to ponder. Plaques, goblets, crosses, and other golden items fashioned by Eligius’ hands became celebrated tourist attractions and the sites of pilgrimages. It is that archetype of the goldsmith-turned-bishop that the anonymous 18th-century painter re-created in his artwork, and the anvil seen at the saint’s feet alludes to Eligius long career as a metalworker and artisan. Tragically, no undisputed examples of Eligius’ golden works have survived the ravages of time and human conflict.
Written by C. Keith Hansley
Sources:
- The History of the Franks by Gregory of Tours, translated by Lewis Thorpe. New York: Penguin Classics, 1971.
- The Fourth Book of the Chronicle of Fredegar, with its continuations, translated by J. M. Wallace-Hadrill. Oxford University Press, 1960.
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chlotar-II
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dagobert-I
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clovis-II
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/balthild-c-630-c-680
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chlotar-III
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Childeric-II
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Theodoric-III
- https://www.europeana.eu/en/item/1269/mnha33400
- https://collections.mnaha.lu/fullscreen/mnha33400/1/
