Thurible
AUTHOR
Leandro Gagliardi (1729-1804)
PLACE/DATE
Italy, Rome, 1749-1750
MATERIALS
Gilt silver
DIMENSIONS
33 x 12,5 cm; 98,5 cm (altura com correntes), 3850 g
INV
MPR.21
Made for the chapel of St. John the Baptist, this thurible is composed of a vessel-shaped receptacle (containing the embers), its lid (in the shape of a tower) with holes, which can be moved along chains, and the handle.
Its middle or central part has architectural treatment, with a body formed by Tuscan columns and a circular-shaped entablature, while the lid is covered with shells, acanthus leaves and angel's heads, identical to those found on the handle.
The gesture of incensing with the thurible took on a deeply symbolic value in the High Middle Ages and continued into the early Modern period: the body of the thurible alluded to the body of Christ, the four chains of suspension symbolised the cardinal virtues, while the fire referred to the Holy Spirit and the perfumed smoke signified the prayers of the faithful addressed to the throne of God.
