41 - RADIANT SOLEIL MASSIVE SILVER MONSTRANCE FROM THE BAROQUE PERIOD

RADIANT SOLEIL MASSIVE SILVER MONSTRANCE FROM THE BAROQUE PERIOD "Gift of Her Majesty Empress Eugénie, 1860" An exceptional processional monstrance made of solid silver, embossed, chased, and partially gilded (vermeil), with glass. The radiant sun, with alternating beams of straight and flamboyant rays, is crowned by a fleur-de-lis Latin cross. The central circular lunule (intended to hold the host) is surrounded by a gadrooned frieze and four winged cherub heads in high relief. The lower part of the niche is flanked by clusters of grapes and ears of wheat in vermeil, major Eucharistic symbols. The shaft, featuring a fluted and gadrooned baluster, is flanked by two angel heads in the round framing an asymmetrical central cartouche. It rises from a quadrangular pyramidal base richly decorated with friezes of foliage, ovals, and an applied vermeil bas-relief depicting the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals. The piece rests on four feet with scrollwork in a rocaille style. The removable glass is missing. Hallmark and inscription on the base: “Gift of Her Majesty Empress Eugénie, 1860.” Italian silverwork from the 17th or early 18th century. Dimensions: 59.5 x 27 cm Gross weight: 750 g