We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: 688-1895
Find out about our images

Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, room 514a , Case V, Shelf 106

Woodblock of a monstrance

Print
1500-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The woodblock is finely worked with the image of a monstrance, a receptacle used to hold and display the Host (the unleavened bread representing the body of Christ) in a transparent container. Careful crosshatching to create the effect of light and shade are visible.

Monstrances were familiar features in Renaissance churches, following the increasing importance attached to the Host and especially its elevation as the central part of the Mass. As veneration of the Host increased, so special attention was paid to the way it was displayed.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleWoodblock of a monstrance (generic title)
Brief description
Anononymous, woodblock with an image of a montrance; Spanish; 16th century
Style
Subject depicted
Summary
The woodblock is finely worked with the image of a monstrance, a receptacle used to hold and display the Host (the unleavened bread representing the body of Christ) in a transparent container. Careful crosshatching to create the effect of light and shade are visible.

Monstrances were familiar features in Renaissance churches, following the increasing importance attached to the Host and especially its elevation as the central part of the Mass. As veneration of the Host increased, so special attention was paid to the way it was displayed.
Collection
Accession number
688-1895

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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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

Record createdDecember 9, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSON