Monstrance

Physical description

Round monstrance embossed with cherubs and cartouches and framed with engraved panels and cast cherubs. Cylindrical knop with four shell-topped niches filled with cast figures of the Cardinal Virtues and Temperance. Shaped oblong foot embossed with strapwork, cherubs and busts of bearded heads.

Place of Origin

Toledo, Spain (possibly)

Date

1575-1600

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Silver gilt; embossing, engraving and casting.

Marks and inscriptions

ELISEO
DAVIT Eliseus
David

Dimensions

Height: 46 cm As given in Oman, Charles. The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver. London: 1968, Cat. no. 97., Width: 22 cm Maximum width of base; measured July 2009., Depth: 17.5 cm Maximum depth of base; measured July 2009.

Object history note

Acquired by Leo Hildburgh from the sale of the Baron von Stumm Collection, Berlin, 4th October 1932, Lot 329.

Historical context note

A monstrance is an open or transparent vessel in which the Host (the bread consecrated in the Eucharist) may be displayed, either on an altar or in processions. It is usually made of gold or silver.

Descriptive line

Silver gilt, Spain (possibly Toledo), last quarter of the 16th century.

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Oman, Charles. The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver: 1400-1665. London: HMSO, 1968.
Hernmarck, Carl. Custodias procesionales en España. Madrid: Ministerio de Cultura, 1987. ISBN 8450553369
Study of large, processional monstrances which developed from the smaller type, of which M.384-1956 is an example.

Materials

Silver-gilt

Techniques

Engraving; Gilding; Casting; Embossing

Subjects depicted

David (King); Eliseus

Categories

Christianity; Ceremonial objects

Collection code

MET