Baroque Monstrance In Solid Silver And Gilt Silver - Liège, Belgium - 18th Century

Baroque silver and parcel-gilt monstrance, Liège, 18th century, crafted by the master silversmith Daniël-François Lenoir (DFL).

Magnificent and imposing baroque monstrance in finely chased solid silver with parcel gilding, produced in the 18th century and attributed to the renowned Liège silversmith Daniël-François Lenoir. The piece bears his maker’s mark as well as the official control marks of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, confirming both its authenticity and its high quality.

At its centre, the work features a large Eucharistic sunburst in gilt silver, radiating in alternating straight and flame-like rays. The circular ostensorium window is framed by richly modelled decoration with chased borders resembling cabochons and scalloped edges.

Above the sunburst rises a royal crown topped with a cross, upheld by two finely modelled cherubs, characteristic of Liège baroque metalwork. Just below the crown sits a representation of God the Father, blessing and holding the celestial globe, emerging from sculpted clouds.

Symbolic Eucharistic motifs appear on both sides: vines with grapes representing the wine of the Eucharist, and bundles of wheat at the lower node representing the bread. The monstrance stands on a broad, rocaille-shaped base, richly adorned with shells, foliage and curving baroque ornament typical of early 18th-century Liège craftsmanship.

This exceptional piece illustrates the technical mastery and artistic richness of Liège silversmithing under the Ancien Régime, distinguished by its elaborate iconography, superb chasing, and overall monumental presence.

We can find a few similar examples in the Curtius museum in Liège.

• Type: Baroque monstrance
• Material: Solid silver with parcel gilding
• Period: 18th century
• Origin: Prince-Bishopric of Liège
• Maker: Daniël-François Lenoir (DFL)
• Decorative elements: Sunburst rays, cherubs, God the Father, vines and grapes, wheat, rocaille base
• Techniques: Chasing, repoussé, assembled in multiple sculptural elements

Weight: 1.7kg