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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: Gilded silver
  • 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

More Artwork

More Artwork
Virgin and Child, Painted wood with gilding, German
On loan to The Met
Virgin and Child
German
ca. 1400
Monstrance, Gilt copper, silver, niello, and glass, Italian, probably Florence
Monstrance
Italian, probably Florence
third quarter 16th century
Stained Glass Panel with Saint Roch, the van Merle Family Arms and a Donor, Pot metal, white glass, vitreous paint, silver stain, German
Stained Glass Panel with Saint Roch, the van Merle Family Arms and a Donor
German
16th century
Monstrance, Silver, gilded silver, rock crystal, niello, and enamel, Spanish
Monstrance
Spanish
ca. 1500
The Circumcision, Pot metal glass and vitreous paint, German
The Circumcision
German
ca. 1460–70

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