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Monstrance
Chiselled gold, with relief and perforated
18th century, dated 1799
Lisbon workshop, goldsmith Paul Mallet
63 cm (H) x 21 cm (W)
From the Funchal Cathedral
Inventory nº MASF 238
Monstrance with a triangular base, stem and wafer-box with radiating splendour. The circular wafer-box has a central glassed chamber with a door on the back side. It is framed by a border of white semi-precious stones. The wafer-box is finished off with arrow-shaped rays of varying sizes. Over them, there is a sheaf of ears of wheat and a branch of grapevine with grapes. The support for the host is undecorated.
The shaft is adorned with a veil, and on its main surface in the centre, there is a pelican. The beginning of the shaft has on each of its faces, on perforated surfaces, the symbols of the Eucharist - the lamb with the standard over the Book of the Revelation, a phoenix (?) and an altar of sacrifice. The base has three feet in scrolled volutes.
According to the engraved inscription, the monstrance of gold was made in Lisbon. It is dated 1799 and signed by Paul Mallet. According to information given by Vassallo e Silva, the goldsmith, a Frenchman, had a workshop in Rua Áurea, in Lisbon. Later, he made medallions ordered by D. João VI in 1832.
This monstrance may be considered one of the most important references of neoclassical goldsmithery in Portugal.
Exhibited in the Convent of Santa Clara in 1951. |
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