Three Monstrances from the Collections of the Terra Sancta Museum

Within the collections of the Terra Sancta Museum are many stunning monstrances and to honour this time of the year I thought we would look at just three examples coming from their collections. 

The first monstrance we will look at today was crafted in Paris during the nineteenth century.  This particular piece has some interesting pedigree to it insofar as it once belonged to the household of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg-Lorraine, Emperor of Mexico during the Second Mexican Empire. 

The design of this particular monstrance is, all things considered, quite simple, showcasing clean and simple lines as well as polychrome enamelling characterized by the stylistic influences of the nineteenth century gothic revival. The monstrance also features images of Christ the King, St. Francis of Assisi and two allegorical figures provided added weight and decoration on the base. Of especial elegance and beauty though are the various gemstones and pearls which are found throughout the piece. 

Christ the King

The arms as Emperor Maximilian of Mexico

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The second monstrance is of a much more baroque nature. Crafted by Figli Catello in bronze that is gilt in silver, this particular monstrance has Marian overtones, featuring an image of the Immaculate Conception on the stem. 

The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, crowned in twelve stars

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Lastly we have a gothic monstrance that was once owned by the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria and created by the Viennese goldsmith, Ditta Joseph Reiner.  As in the case of the previous monstrance, it features an image of the Virgin Mary, but in addition it also features God the Father and Ss. Peter and Paul.  

God the Father

St. Peter

St. Paul

The Blessed Virgin Mary

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