"The Shrine of the Three Kings"

Construction on Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, but it wasn’t until 1880 that it was finally completed. The cathedral is built in the High Gothic style and is characterized by its soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and impressive vaulted ceilings.

The Shrine of the Three Kings is located behind and above the high altar in Cologne Cathedral, Germany. It is a large gilded and decorated triple sarcophagus that is said to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men.

The Shrine of the Three Kings is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Germany and is visited by millions yearly. It is a masterpiece of Mosan art and is considered the largest reliquary in the Western world.

Nicholas of Verdun was a renowned metalworker, goldsmith and enamellist active around the years 1180–1205.

The work of Nicholas saw the transition from late Romanesque to early Gothic styles such as the enameled altarpiece which was created for Klosterneuburg Monastery around 1180. His work also applied the technique of champlevé enameling. During his career he spent most of his time traveling to different locations where he was commissioned to develop most of his work. His work shows the understanding of conventions on utilizing the physicality of classical draperies which oblique the figures, resembling Byzantine art. He was an innovator and a master metalworker. Records indicate that most of his work ranges from figurines, to decorated candles with precious stones and shrines.

The shrine's general concept and figures of prophets were created by Nicholas of Verdun but much of the work was also done by his assistants. The shrine is said to hold the most important gilded metal figures of the 12th century. They contrast with the late Romanesque style due to the relatively naturalistic representation of figures and drapery. This artistic treatment inspired later works in sculpture and painting. The shrine was considered to be so marvelous that Cologne cathedral rebuilt its structure in 1248 in order to provide a more grand setting for the shrine. This piece is quite ornamental and it is made with gold and silver that is overlaid over a wooden basilica structure. It is 110 cm wide and 153 cm long. The panels contain over a thousand jewells and beads ranging from semi-precious to precious stones. There are a number of scenes that range from dawning of time to the last judgment. Throughout its history it was said that the shrine was hidden in 1794 from the French troops and at that time the work was shortened by one axis, which later ended up undergoing restoration which was done from 1961 to 1973. Today it stands in a medieval high altar of a Gothic cathedral particularly built for the presence of this shrine

Nicholas of Verdun is known today because he signed his work in stone, as "NICOLAUS VIRDUNENSIS" and established the tradition of artists signing their work.