Monstrans met cherubijnen en putti 1637

This drawing of a monstrance, made by Giacomo Laurenziani in the 17th century, captures the intricate detailing of metalwork. Though this is a two-dimensional image, it gives us insight into the material properties that would have mattered in the original object. The surface would have been highly reflective, catching the light and drawing the eye, particularly to the Eucharist held within the central roundel. Laurenziani has taken great care in representing the cherubs, foliage, and other ornament, suggesting the great amount of work that was required to produce such an object. The monstrance would have been constructed from precious metals, like gold or silver, using techniques such as casting, chasing, and engraving. Consider the social context of this object: it would have been made for a church, and its value would have been a reflection of the wealth and power of that institution. This drawing invites us to consider not only the artistic skill involved in its creation, but also the economic and social forces that shaped its production.