Altar Card
1600-1630 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Cards bearing Eucharistic prayers appeared on the Roman Catholic altar during the 16th century. These prayers were specifically associated with the miraculous transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the service of Mass, known as the Eucharist. Altar cards assisted the memory of the priest when he was consecrating the wine and bread and also acted as symbolic embodiments of the prayers. They were made in a variety of materials. The words engraved on this rock crystal example begin: 'For this is my body. For this is the cup of my blood ...'
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Crystal mounted in gilt iron and bronze, Spain, ca.1600-30 |
| Physical description | Altar card, consisting of a rectangular card of rock crystal engraved with Latin text and decorative devices in a scalloped frame of gilt iron. The stem consists of two pieces of crystal held together with gilt iron, the upper part carved into a dolphin's head, the lower part into bird's feet, on a gilt bronze base shaped like a cross within a square. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Engraved on the rectangular crystal 'card':
Hoc est enim corpus meum / Hic est enim Calix Sanguinis mei noui / et aeterni testamenti mysterium fidei / qui pro vobis & pro multis effundetur / in remissionem peccatorum. (The words, which echo those of Jesus Himself as he presided over His Last Supper with His disciples, are part of the formula recited by a priest to consecrate wine during the Mass. The wording is consistent with the form agreed during the mid-sixteenth-century Council of Trent and promulgated by the Pope in 1570.)
|
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest |
| Historical context | The Counter Reformation The 16th century was a period of intense self examination for the Roman Catholic church. Internal dissent was undermining its authority and whole nations were going over to the new Protestant faiths. To clarify its role, the church held the Council of Trent from 1545 to 1563. It addressed concerns about religious education, abuses of wealth and the relief of the poor. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) became the champion of the reformed Catholic church and promoted the faith worldwide. At the heart of this Counter Reformation was the need to restore the Eucharist to the centre of worship. In Catholic belief, the Eucharist enshrines the moment when bread and wine, consecrated at the altar, are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. A priest holding up a monstrance Detail from The Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, by Claudio Coello, 1685-90 Monasterio del Escorial, Madrid. Art and Faith The image and message of the reinvigorated Roman Catholic church were actively promoted through dramatic architecture and furnishings. Throughout the 17th century new churches were built in the grand Baroque style. Their sumptuous interiors were complemented by elaborate monstrances, candelabra, sanctuary lamps and censers. Awe-inspiring altar silver drew the eyes of the faithful towards the Eucharist. |
| Summary | Cards bearing Eucharistic prayers appeared on the Roman Catholic altar during the 16th century. These prayers were specifically associated with the miraculous transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the service of Mass, known as the Eucharist. Altar cards assisted the memory of the priest when he was consecrating the wine and bread and also acted as symbolic embodiments of the prayers. They were made in a variety of materials. The words engraved on this rock crystal example begin: 'For this is my body. For this is the cup of my blood ...' |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.315-1956 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | January 24, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
