Monstrance

The use of the monstrance developed from the 13^th century onwards, after the liturgical feast of Corpus Christi became official in 1264. Since then, it has taken on various morphologies and decorative solutions, in keeping with stylistic developments and changes in taste.

Generally made in precious materials, as is the case here, the monstrance consists of a more or less elaborate frame, raised on one or more feet and topped by a cross, the most important part of the piece being the glazed element or receptacle where, during the ceremony of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharistic crescent with the large consecrated host is presented. This monstrance fits the subtype of radiating ostensory, given the morphology of the receptacle, surrounded by a radiating halo, with some of the rays enlivened by white stonework and surrounded by a garland of bunches of grapes and ears of wheat alluding to the Eucharist.