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Monstrance

about 1450
Not on view
Monstrances were vessels created to display the consecrated Host, the body of Christ. They were first created in response to the Feast of Corpus Christ established in 1263 that enabled the faithful to see and venerate the consecrated Host on a crescent moon-shaped mount.
Monstrances were used in liturgical processions, especially on feast days, and were also placed on the altar. Cologne goldsmiths produced many of these elaborate liturgical show pieces.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Monstrance
  • Date: about 1450
  • Geography: Made in Cologne, Germany
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Silver-gilt
  • Dimensions: Overall: 24 13/16 x 8 3/8 x 6 7/16 in. (63 x 21.2 x 16.4 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.226
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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