Carved Monstrance, 1920's

Lovely Spanish monstrance made of gilded brass in the 1920s - 1930s. This is an attractive cult object, made with high care and precision and decorated with nice engravings and filigrees, which speak of an excellent artisan. The monstrance is in good condition, though the cross at the top has a small detail missing. Nevertheless, this does not interfere with the elegant presence of this decorative item, which is in addition nearly one hundred of years old. The monstrance is simple and stylized, and the top, the stem and the base all bear hand-engraved fringes and patterns. The gloria is surrounded by a series of slim metal rays which symbolize Christs glow as the Light of the World. There are shorter and longer rays, and also straight and wavy rays; they are disposed in a careful way to generate an attractive sense of movement. The gloria is also surrounded by some petals, delicately decorated with engravings in the shape of fig leaves and wheat stalks, symbols of Christs Blood and Body. Just under the gloria there is a part which connects it to the stem, adorned with beautiful filigree which reproduces the same vegetal patterns.The node in the stem bears a nice vegetal engraving, quite subtle and elegant. We can find the same border on the base, accompanied by three lovely small sculptures of angels. The sculptures only show the upper part of the angels bodies; they have unfolded wings and hold fabric bands in their open hands. Though the three angels are quite alike, some slight differences between them tell us they have been sculpted by hand. This monstrance is surely a very decorative and spiritual article, which will stand out in any good collection of religious antiques. Measurements: 300 mm width x 532 mm height.