A monstrance originally contained a relic exposed to public view. Later it developed into a standing vessel with transparent centrepiece, in which the consecrated host (in Roman Catholic theology, the bread transformed into the body of Christ) was displayed during Mass. Either a receptacle or crescent-shaped support, called a lunette, holds the host.

The sun monstrance with a radiating sunburst surrounding the host was introduced during the Counter Reformation when much Catholic church silver, particularly in southern Europe, was designed to create powerful visual effects. The arms on the foot are those of the Discalced Carmelites.