This sculpture is an architectural structure resembling a small tower or pavilion with intricate carvings. It has a domed top with detailed classical motifs, including flowers, columns, scale-like shapes, and swirling designs. The sculpture is white, standing on a square base with decorative carvings like garlands and rosettes. The cylindrical body has a multi-faceted section with small golden panels framed by columns and arches. It is placed indoors on a gray square base.

Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

Ciborium for the Sacrament

sculptor Florentine 15th Century

possibly after a model by sculptor Desiderio da Settignano (Florentine, c. 1429 - 1464)

sculptor Florentine 19th Century

1460s-c.1470 (stem with integral base); probably 1860s-c. 1870 (dome, enclosure, base beneath enclosure); 1870s (finial, bottom plinth)

Medium: marble
Classification: Sculpture
Dimensions: overall: 322.1 × 80.8 × 69.9 cm, (126 13/16 × 31 13/16 × 27 1/2 in.), 2357 lb. ; gross weight (base): 1217 lb. ; gross weight (tabernacle): 621 lb. ; gross weight (dome): 411 lb. ; gross weight (finial): 108 lb.
Culture: Florentine
Museum: National Gallery of Art, CSD
Credit line: Samuel H. Kress Collection
Rights: Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

More by Florentine 15th Century

See all

More like this

See all