Important Sacred Heart Monstrance In Silver And Vermeil, Belgian Work From The Mid-19th Century.

Important Sacré-Coeur monstrance in silver vermeil, Belgian work from the mid-19th century.

Remarkable for its size and the power of its iconography, this important silver vermeil monstrance illustrates a particularly ambitious Belgian production of the mid-19th century. It is distinguished by an original design in which the Sacred Heart is not a mere ornament, but truly organizes the composition of the monstrance.

The sacred heart, treated in high relief, surmounted by the flame and encircled by a crown of thorns preserved in white silver, forms the center of the piece and directly integrates the circular opening intended to receive the host. This fusion of devotional symbolism and Eucharistic function lends the whole a remarkable visual and theological force.

The monstrance is a unique piece of art.

The monstrance is surrounded by an important radiating decoration composed of finely chiseled grapes, alternating rhythms and volumes with great virtuosity. The gnarled trunk-like stem is characterized by a naturalistic vocabulary typical of 19th-century religious goldsmiths. It rests on a broadly developed base, finely hammered and decorated with plant motifs in relief.

The border of the base is engraved with the inscription "O Cor Amoris Victima", which translates as "O Heart, victim of love", an explicit reference to the Sacred Heart of Christ, symbol of redemptive sacrifice and divine love offered to humanity.

The reverse features careful construction, with circular molded framing around the lunula and radiating structure consistent with the obverse. The original lunula is preserved - an often-missing element - and slides into its housing, attesting to the piece's complete liturgical functionality.

The reverse shows a few restorations.

There are a few old restorations on some shelves, carried out with great care, with gilding rework now very discreet and hardly perceptible. The overall condition is particularly satisfactory in view of the complexity and finesse of the workmanship.

For its imposing proportions, the booklet is a must.

By its imposing proportions, the richness of its treatment and the quality of its execution, this monstrance is part of the most accomplished production of Belgian religious goldsmithery of the 19th century.

Features

• Origin: Belgium
• Era: mid-19th century
• Material: silver 900 thousandths, vermeil
• Crown of thorns: ungilded silver
• Techniques: repoussé, stamping, chasing, gilding
• Height: 68 cm
• Maximum width: 38 cm
• Gross weight: approx. 2.51 kg
• Inscription: "O Cor Amoris Victima" ("O Heart, victim of love")
• Elements: original lunula present
• Condition: very good overall condition, discreet old restorations on some shelves with gilding pick-ups