In the hushed halls of Zurich’s Landes Museum lies a relic from centuries past, a testament to faith and tragedy intertwined. Crafted circa 1450, this exquisite reliquary was conceived to cradle a sacred remnant of one of the Holy Innocents, martyred under the decree of King Herod.

Imbued with symbolism and artistry, the reliquary takes the form of a lifelike silver foot adorned with a gilded sandal, a poignant reminder of the earthly journey cut short for the innocent souls. Pearls and a genuine garnet embellish its surface, while colored glass imitations, though humble in origin, reflect the reverence bestowed upon the relic it safeguards.

Atop the foot rests a polished rock crystal window, offering a glimpse into the sacred contents held within. Here, encased in history and holiness, lies the relic itself, a tangible connection to a distant era of faith and persecution. And nestled at the ankle, a delicate mother of pearl relief portrays the Presentation of the Virgin, a scene of divine grace anchoring the relic in the narrative of salvation.

As visitors pause before this remarkable artifact, they are invited to contemplate the enduring power of belief and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. For in this humble foot, crafted with care and devotion centuries ago, echoes the enduring legacy of those who dared to defy tyranny in the name of faith.