Franks Casket features scenes from Roman, Jewish, Christian and Germanic tradition. When it came to light in the nineteenth century, this magnificent rectangular casket was being used as a family workbox at Auzon, France. Some time during its mysterious history it was dismantled and one end panel was separated from the rest of the box. This piece was bequeathed to the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, and is represented here by a cast. The remaining panels were presented to the British Museum by one of its greatest benefactors, Sir Augustus Franks, after whom the casket is named. It is also known as the Auzon casket.

Additional Tags

art of anglo-saxon britain, khan academy, the british museum, the franks casket, made of whalebone

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 4 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)