Reliquary monstrance of St. John the Baptist

C. C.

ca. 1640, with 18th century additions · Silver gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The inscription on the banderoles held by the two angels flanking the central shaft reads, IOANNE BAPTISTA/NON SURREXIT MAIOR ("There has risen no one greater than John the Baptist" - Matt. 11:11). The other angels hold symbols of the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. The relief at the bottom shows his beheading.

Artist

C. C.

Date

ca. 1640, with 18th century additions

Medium

Silver gilt

Culture

Italian, probably Florence

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1949