Medici Eucharistic chest - Valerio Belli
Date :
1532
Type of image :
Arts décoratifs
Engraved rock crystal, silver-leaf faux background, gilded silver and enamels
Dimensions (HxL cm) :
15x26.7x14.5 cm
Storage Location :
Grand Ducal Treasure
Gem 1921 no. 505
Gem 1921 no. 505
Signed work
Description
The casket is shaped like a small classical sarcophagus. Two bands decorated with filigree and polychrome enamels with small rosette motifs form the base and frieze of a series of vermeil Doric columns. These columns surround eight reflective surfaces where rock crystal tiles depict 24 episodes from the life of Christ carved in crystal, including Christ and the adulterous woman.
History :
- Signed on the central crystal plaque, below the Temple pediment, "VALERIUS:VI:F". There is a similar signature on the central plate on the other side of the casket.
- Created for Pope Clement VII, the casket was perhaps originally intended to be used as a storeroom in which to store hosts during Holy Week, Maundy Thursday and Easter, a time when the Eucharist was not celebrated.
- Other Eucharistic caskets are known, such as the 13th-century casket from Donzenac, near Limoges.
Textual Sources :
Technical Data
Notice #025534
Image editing :
Image web
