Antique Jeweled Gilded Metal Monstrance with Original Case. France, c.1880

Magnificent antique monstrance with great visual presence, made in gilded metal around 1880 and accompanied by its spectacular original period case, specially made following the exact silhouette of the piece. Judging by its design, ornamental quality and type of execution, it appears to be a French made monstrance. This is an especially striking and decorative piece, conceived to stand out powerfully on the altar thanks to its imposing radial development, its intense golden brilliance and the chromatic richness of its red and transparent faceted crystals. It is one of those monstrances that, even closed inside its case, already conveys the sensation of being an important piece.

The monstrance preserves a very theatrical and luminous aesthetic, typical of the finest decorative liturgical metalwork of the late 19th century. The entire ensemble revolves around the large central luna, surrounded by a crown of transparent cut crystals imitating diamonds, which capture the light in a spectacular way. Around the display area are distributed ruby red faceted crystals, individually mounted on gilded vegetal elements, creating a very elegant visual contrast between the golden, white and red tones. The piece preserves its original luna for 5 cm hosts, complete and perfectly functional.

The large radial sun alternates straight and wavy rays, generating tremendous visual movement and a very powerful luminous effect when the monstrance is viewed from the front. The rays also present a fine and elegant execution, clearly superior to that usually found on simpler mass produced liturgical pieces. The upper section is crowned by a cross decorated with floriated arms and small engraved reliefs, further reinforcing the verticality and monumentality of the ensemble.

The lower section of the rays presents pierced Neo-Gothic inspired decoration formed by scrolls and vegetal motifs of great delicacy, providing visual lightness and enormously enriching the silhouette of the piece. This combination of radial structure, pierced decoration and jeweled ornamentation gives the monstrance a very rich and sophisticated presence, especially attractive in real display.

The base is especially beautiful and very well proportioned in relation to the overall size of the monstrance. It presents a lobed profile and rests on decorative feet with vegetal scrollwork, all worked with reliefs and engravings executed in very fine detail. The gilding preserves a magnificent presence, very bright and homogeneous, making the entire piece maintain a spectacular appearance. On the lobes appear once again ruby red faceted crystals mounted in decorative settings, with the same motif repeated on the central knop. These crystals provide tremendous visual richness and clearly recall large precious stones mounted on liturgical jewellery.

The central knop, with flattened spherical profile, is decorated with large red faceted crystals that stand out intensely against the brilliant gilding of the metal. It is an especially visually attractive area and greatly contributes to giving the sensation of a luxurious piece of high ornamental category.

The state of preservation is, quite simply, exceptional for a monstrance of this period. It is very difficult today to find a late 19th century piece with such bright and homogeneous gilding, also preserving all its crystals, the original luna and the complete structure without deformations or visible losses. The monstrance conveys a magnificent sensation of a very well cared for and scarcely used piece, something truly unusual in this type of antique liturgical object, especially in monstrances so richly decorated and delicate.

The luna opens and closes correctly and the entire structure stands firmly without looseness. No losses are visible in the rays nor any significant damage in the ornamentation. The ensemble presents a spectacular appearance in person, with luminosity and visual presence far superior to what is usually encountered.

Special mention should be made of the original case, made in wood and adapted exactly to the shape of the monstrance. It is a very uncommon element and adds tremendous interest to the ensemble, both aesthetically and in terms of preservation. The interior preserves its original red fabric lining, slightly worn by time, yet creating a spectacular presentation when the piece is displayed open. More than a simple case, it functions almost as a liturgical display cabinet for the monstrance.

Antique monstrances as decorative and visually impressive as this are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the market, especially complete examples with luna, preserved jeweled decoration and original case. Even rarer is finding them in such extraordinary condition. It is a perfect piece both to be used liturgically again from the very first day and to form part of an important sacred art collection. Because of its size, presence and ornamental richness, it is a monstrance that visually fills the altar and immediately attracts attention.

Measurements: Total height: 52 cm (20.47 in). Width across the rays: 27 cm (10.63 in). Diameter of the base: 19 cm (7.48 in). Luna for 5 cm hosts (2 in).