Solid Silver, Ghent 1860-1870, Sanctuary Lamp, Constance Van Den Berghe , Altar Lamp
It is the work of a widow goldsmith, Constance Van den Berghe, who took over from her late husband in this brief period.
As each removable part bears its master goldsmith hallmark. The guarantee marks are absent, but each part of the object has been tested and is made of 830% silver. It weighs 850 grams of silver.
The style of the lamp is entirely borrowed from the Baroque style of the Counter-Reformation of circa 1600-1650.
The tradition of lighting sacred places is an ancient one. In the Book of Leviticus (24, 2-3), Aaron the high priest kept a flame in front of the curtain inside the Tent of Meeting, as the Lord had instructed Moses.
In the Catholic Church, the use of a lamp near the tabernacle dates back to the end of the 12th century. For a long time, a luminarian was responsible for ensuring that the liturgical lamps and lights worked properly, originally by means of a wax candle or vegetable oil. After the First World War, as these were too expensive, a decree authorized the use of electric light in churches, but it must not replace candles on altars or oil lamps in front of relics or tabernacles.
Progressively, sanctuary lamps were electrified to facilitate maintenance.
This luminous presence is obligatory, as canon law indicates: "In front of the tabernacle where the most holy Eucharist is kept, a lamp must be constantly lit to indicate and honor the presence of Christ" (can. 940 CIC, PGMR no. 316).
Period: 19th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Sterling silver
Length: 57 cm
Width: 23 cm
Reference (ID): 1744053
Availability: In stock
