Monstrance thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Monstrance

1575-1600
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Toledo

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.


Object details

Categories
Ceremonial Objects
Christianity
Object type
Monstrance
Materials and techniques
Silver gilt; embossing, engraving and casting.
Silver Gilt
Embossing
Casting
Engraving
Gilding
Brief description
Silver gilt, Spain (possibly Toledo), last quarter of the 16th century.
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.
Dimensions
  • As given in oman, charles. u the golden age of hispanic silver u . london 1968, cat. no. 97. height: 46cm
  • Maximum width of base; measured july 2009. width: 22cm
  • Maximum depth of base; measured july 2009. depth: 17.5cm
Style
Renaissance
Marks and inscriptions
ELISEO DAVIT (Eliseus was a prophet of Israel -- see Old Testament 1 Kings 19:8-21. David was the second King of Israel. For his life see the Old Testament, 1 Samuel 16; 1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 2, 3, 10-29; Ruth 4:18-22.)
Translation
Eliseus David
Credit line
Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest
Object history
Acquired by Leo Hildburgh from the sale of the Baron von Stumm Collection, Berlin, 4th October 1932, Lot 329.
Historical context
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.
Subjects depicted
David (King)
Eliseus
Summary
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.
Bibliographic references
  • 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
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
M.384-1956

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O378832/monstrance-unknown/
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