Brass Rubbing: Nicholas of Cusa

Description from 1971-72 exhibit catalog by Kathleen Cairns: "Cues--Nicholas of Cusa, 1488. In vestments of a bishop with a pomegranate on his breast. Made Cardinal in St. Peter's ad Vincula, Rome, 1448. He was also Bishop of Trier and of Brixen, near the Brenner Pass. Philosopher, mathematician and churchman. Founded and built the Hospital of St. Nicholas, 1458, for 33 old men. The beautiful buildings are still standing along the banks of the Moselle River and the hospital is still functioning. The Cardinal's brass lies in the hospital's chapel and the tomb below it contains only his heart. His body lies buried in St. Peter's ad Vincula, Rome. The brass was probably made in Aachen, Germany, and the design was copied from the stone slab to the Cardinal in his church in Rome. The family crests bearing the crayfish are placed between the tassels of the Cardinal's hat.
INSCRIPTION: To Nicholas of Cues, of Trier, Cardinal, priest of St. Peter ad Vincula and Bishop of Brixen, founder of this hospital, who died at Todi on the 11th day of August, 1464, and on account of his devotion wished to be buried in Rome before the chains of St. Peter. His heart being brought back here.
INSCRIPTION OVER THE EFFIGY: He loved God, feared and reverenced Him and served Him only; the promise of reward did not deceive him; he lived 63 years dear to God and men. P. von Ercklens, Dean of Aachen, erected this monument to his most munificent benefactor, 1488."

From the catalogue, An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings by Kathleen H. Cairns: Information identical to previous entry

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Brass Rubbings from the Collection of Kathleen H. Cairns, December 5, 1971 - January 14, 1972. Botetourt Gallery and Museum, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Catalog #44.

Felgate, T.M. Knights on Suffolk Brasses. East Anglian Magazine Ltd. Ipswich, Sufflok 1976.

Spinke, Winifred. A Memento from Old England. Bury St. Edmunds, n.d.

Medieval Brass Rubbings (exhibit catalogue), Pittsburgh, 1969.

English Brass Rubbings (exhibit catalogue), Williamsburg, VA, 1971.

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, December 7, 1969 through January 4, 1970. Frick Fine Arts Building, University of Pittsburgh. Catalog #82.

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, October 20 through November 19. Catalog #67.