Monumental Monstrance To The Adoring Angels

Solid silver and gilt silver – Ghent (Belgium) – 1831–1868. Master silversmith: Henri Decurte. A sumptuous, monumental monstrance in the Baroque style, crafted in solid silver of the highest standard and gilt silver, bearing the hallmark of the city of Ghent for the period 1831–1868, as well as the hallmark of the master silversmith Henri Decurte, active between 1848 and 1868. This remarkable piece belongs to the grand tradition of 19th-century Flemish religious silverware, which drew its inspiration from the opulent models of the early 18th century. The composition unfolds around a glass case surrounded by a particularly dense gilt silver sunburst, a symbol of the divine presence and the Eucharistic light. The whole is enlivened by a rich iconography composed of several finely sculpted adoring angels in the round. Two cherubs in flight dominate the composition, while other angelic figures accompany the radiant Eucharist in an attitude of prayer and adoration. Remarkably naturalistic floral bouquets enrich the composition and accentuate its Baroque character. The fineness of the chasing, the quality of the modeling of the faces, and the precision of the goldsmith's work attest to a workshop of the highest caliber. The richly decorated, polylobed base supports an elegantly balanced stem leading to the radiant glory, creating a particularly harmonious and monumental silhouette. Due to its substantial size, this monstrance was most likely intended for a large church or for use in processions of the Blessed Sacrament. The piece is preserved in its specially designed, moisture-resistant case. Dimensions: Height: 67 cm Width: 37 cm Total weight: 3.280 kg Material: Solid silver and vermeil. The weight of the silver alone represents a particularly high melting value today, estimated at around €6,800 at current precious metal prices, which constitutes a significant minimum value for this piece of goldsmithing. Beyond this intrinsic value, this monstrance is distinguished by the richness of its sculpture, the presence of figures in the round, and the breadth of its radiant composition, characteristics of prestigious liturgical pieces produced in major workshops. 19th century Flemish.