Throne for Eucharistic exposition
The small throne was placed on the altar for the exposition of the Eucharist
What is a throne for Eucharistic exposition?
The throne for eucharistic exposition is a kind of aedicule, generally made of wood and topped with canopy, which is placed on the altar for the Eucharist exposure. Although not provided in almost any liturgical code, it was used on solemn occasions in a very important private residence. The monstrance is placed in the center of the throne, which in turn is placed on the tabernacle, on the highest step of the altar or on the floor. Sometimes it was always placed on the altars, or used only during the mass and then removed.
The throne had two shapes:
- Small temple (closed or open) with columns, cap and canopy;
- Aedicule with two or more candle hold arms used to expose the monstrance on an overhead stand. In this case the throne has a silk-backed wall, with a radius, a crown or a more elaborate canopy, possibly supported by angels.
It was used in the Palatine Chapel
Description
The throne was gilded with gold foil, and is of considerable size. It is made of a central base for the monstrance, on the sides two angels on pedestal holding a large crown with a pelmet underneath. Two angels resting on two parrallelepipeds whose bases are enriched by acanthus leaves, support an imposing crown provided with apical glory.
Although if the impact aspect, the presence of the big angels and the shape of the central base, might suggest baroque dating, the throne is clearly neoclassical. The symmetrical aspect is typical of this period, as the acanthus leaves. If it had been late-baroque (Rococo), it would have been asymmetrical and also, for example, the base of the crown would not have those decorative bands with equal elements and repeated, that are typically neoclassical.
Reconstruction of the probable final appearance, with the addition of a monstrance
External link
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