Monstrance
1624-34 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Monstrances display the host, or consecrated wafer of bread that miraculously transforms into the body of Christ during the celebration of Mass. Carried in procession and placed on the altar, a monstrance allows the congregation to venerate the host.
The applied, enamelled bosses and sun-form of the monstrance window are characteristic of late-sixteenth and early seventeenth-century Hispanic and Hispano-American goldsmiths' work. The oval window for the display of the host in this example is unusual though not unique. The casket-like base of this monstrance does not have a parallel in other examples. The casket section was originally set with two panels of glass secured with five clips each (one panel is now missing). There is no evidence that the casket could be easily opened once the glass slid into place. It has been suggested that this container functioned as a reliquary, but in the Roman Catholic rite the consecrated host was not displayed in combination with a relic. In its present form, then, this monstrance probably represents a marriage of two sections from different, yet contemporary, silver objects.
The applied, enamelled bosses and sun-form of the monstrance window are characteristic of late-sixteenth and early seventeenth-century Hispanic and Hispano-American goldsmiths' work. The oval window for the display of the host in this example is unusual though not unique. The casket-like base of this monstrance does not have a parallel in other examples. The casket section was originally set with two panels of glass secured with five clips each (one panel is now missing). There is no evidence that the casket could be easily opened once the glass slid into place. It has been suggested that this container functioned as a reliquary, but in the Roman Catholic rite the consecrated host was not displayed in combination with a relic. In its present form, then, this monstrance probably represents a marriage of two sections from different, yet contemporary, silver objects.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt set with enamelled bosses |
| Brief description | Silver-gilt set with enamelled bosses, Mexico (Mexico mark), 1624-34. |
| Physical description | silver-gilt monstrance set with enamelled bosses. Oval gloria for the host surmounted by a cross and surrounded by rays. Short tapering stem of oblong section set with a cast cherub on the back and front, mounted on a wide stirrup-shaped relic container which has a glazed back and front. The sides embossed with strapwork and set with large bosses decorated with scrollwork on a ground mainly of two shades of blue enamel. The oval base embossed with strapwork and set with four oval plaques enamelled with flowers. Four scroll feet. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Assay mark for Mexico, 1624-1634, two columns either side of a head in profile, a crown over the columns, the letter 'M' below the profile head, in a rectangular punch.
The mark is punched on the outer rim of the base (worn); on the flat, rectangular area on the base; once on each side of the semi-circular container on the base. The stem and monstrance are unmarked. |
| Gallery label | Silver Gallery:
The crescent-shaped lunette in the oval glass compartment held the wafer, symbolising the body of Christ, for public view. The stirrup-shaped base of this monstrance is most unusual and may indicate a dual purpose as the lower part may have contained a holy relic such as a human bone.
As early as 1519 and 1533 Mexico and Peru were added to the Spanish domains. Spain aimed to Christianise the indigenous population in the New World. Demand for church silver was thus as high in the colonies as it was at home. In Mexico indigenous silversmiths worked alongside European and Chinese silversmiths and styles intermingled. They also worked with current design books brought from Europe. This monstrance shows the both austerity of the Herreran style in Spain, based on the decoration of the Royal Palace, The Escorial, in Madrid and a move to rich decorative surfaces enhanced by medallions with scrolls and arabesques in turquoise, blue and green enamel.(26/11/2002) |
| Credit line | Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest |
| Object history | Acquired in Paris in 1921 and said to have come from Zamora. |
| Summary | Monstrances display the host, or consecrated wafer of bread that miraculously transforms into the body of Christ during the celebration of Mass. Carried in procession and placed on the altar, a monstrance allows the congregation to venerate the host. The applied, enamelled bosses and sun-form of the monstrance window are characteristic of late-sixteenth and early seventeenth-century Hispanic and Hispano-American goldsmiths' work. The oval window for the display of the host in this example is unusual though not unique. The casket-like base of this monstrance does not have a parallel in other examples. The casket section was originally set with two panels of glass secured with five clips each (one panel is now missing). There is no evidence that the casket could be easily opened once the glass slid into place. It has been suggested that this container functioned as a reliquary, but in the Roman Catholic rite the consecrated host was not displayed in combination with a relic. In its present form, then, this monstrance probably represents a marriage of two sections from different, yet contemporary, silver objects. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.164-1956 |
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 | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
