Silver-gilt, Italy, after 1676

Silver-gilt case, circular, with hinged sides each chased with decoration around the edge and engraved with the arms of a pope, one with the arms of Pope Pius V (in office 1566-72), the other with the arms of Pope Innocent XI (in office 1676-89). At the top of the case is a suspension loop; inside is a glazed receptacle.

The Counter Reformation
The 16th century was a period of intense self examination for the Roman Catholic church. Internal dissent was undermining its authority and whole nations were going over to the new Protestant faiths. To clarify its role, the church held the Council of Trent from 1545 to 1563. It addressed concerns about religious education, abuses of wealth and the relief of the poor. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) became the champion of the reformed Catholic church and promoted the faith worldwide. At the heart of this Counter Reformation was the need to restore the Eucharist to the centre of worship. In Catholic belief, the Eucharist enshrines the moment when bread and wine, consecrated at the altar, are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

Art and Faith
The image and message of the reinvigorated Roman Catholic church were actively promoted through dramatic architecture and furnishings. Throughout the 17th century new churches were built in the grand Baroque style. Their sumptuous interiors were complemented by elaborate monstrances, candelabra, sanctuary lamps and censers. Awe-inspiring altar silver drew the eyes of the faithful towards the Eucharist.

Possibly made when Pope Innocent XI (ruled 1676-89) was in office.

An agnus dei (Latin for 'lamb of God') is a cake of wax made from Easter candles and stamped with an impression of the lamb. They are blessed by the Pope and kept as devotional objects, often in cases such as this.

The coats of arms engraved on either hinged side of this case are of two popes associated with the Counter Reformation, an intense period of reform for the Roman Catholic Church from the mid 16th century. On one side of the case are the arms of Pope Pius V (in office 1566-72) who enforced many of the reforms proposed by the Council of Trent, a series of theological debates held between 1545 and 1563. The debates addressed, among many subjects, abuses of wealth by the Church, religious education and relief of the poor. The second arms are those of Pope Innocent XI (in office 1676-89), who was equally committed to promoting piety and education.

M.381-1911