Silver monstrance. S.XX. Model monstrance of the... Lot 5

Silver monstrance. S.XX. Model monstrance of the Sun, with foot, shaft and display. In the display stand, the rays alternate between straight and sinuous ones, the longest of the straight ones ending in stars. The frame of rays is only interrupted vertically, and in this example we see a Greek cross with an amethyst as a finial on this axis. This finial was added as an offering from a devotee. The shaft with a knot or central apple, with geometric-style decorations. The stepped base has decorative mouldings. The type of sun monstrance replaces the old portable temple monstrance at the beginning of the 17th century. Both models coexisted from the end of the 16th century, when the sun monstrance was born, and finally the small temple monstrance disappeared around 1630. The sun monstrance soon spread throughout the Christian world and is still the most widely used today. Like the temple monstrance, the sun monstrance is based on a base and a shaft structure, but the upper Gothic temple is replaced by a frame of rays framing the monstrance box. This frame originally combined straight, often bevelled rays with other sinuous, flaming ones. Over time, in the 18th century, the model evolved towards more ornamental and original shapes. Weight: 5.264 kg. Measurements: 94 x 55 x 40 cm.