History of the sunburst-style monstrance?

[Ad_Orientem]

The Catholic Encyclopedia (1911) traces monstrances to the 13th century, and the sunburst style to the 15th (see Ostensorium). It doesn’t say, however, whether the sunburst shape was based on something else, or if it was at least perceived as an original design. The CE only gives the practical reason that the sunburst shape (as opposed to an ark) was “better adapted to the object of drawing all eyes to the Sacred Host itself.” Was it also chosen because Christ is the “Sun of Righteousness,” or is that coincidental? Was there an association then (1400s) with royalty, or did that come later?

 

[po18guy]

Don’t know. But, today’s Saint (St. Bernardine of Siena), developed the “IHS” symbol with the sun-like perimeter to displace common superstitious symbols of his day. It is a short leap to adapt that design to the monstrance.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Interesting. Thanks for the pictures, in case anyone doesn’t know what I mean by “sunburst”.

Side question: Wasn’t St. Bernardine a Franciscan? Why then is the sunburst IHS associated with the Jesuits?

 

[po18guy]

Interesting. Thanks for the pictures, in case anyone doesn’t know what I mean by “sunburst”.

Side question: Wasn’t St. Bernardine a Franciscan? Why then is the sunburst IHS associated with the Jesuits?

Interesting is right. Since the Franciscans were instrumental in having the Jesuits suppressed for a time, perhaps the absorption or adoption of the symbol was, um, well…

This site ascribes the symbol to Ignatius of Loyola, Jesuit founder.

newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-does-ihs-stand-for-meaning-of-holy.html

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Thanks again for the link. The site in question seems to ascribe the IHS with the cross and nails to St. Ignatius, but it doesn’t explicitly say the sunburst part was his idea, though I could see that interpretation of their remarks:

After three nails were added under the insignia (together with a cross above), some noticed that the inscription now contained a “V” below the IHS – so that we see IHSV. (see image on the side) In this form it was adopted by St. Ignatius as the symbol of the Jesuits.

Whether “this form” includes the sunburst or not (as in the picture) is not entirely clear.

 

[po18guy]

Thanks again for the link. The site in question seems to ascribe the IHS with the cross and nails to St. Ignatius, but it doesn’t explicitly say the sunburst part was his idea, though I could see that interpretation of their remarks:

After three nails were added under the insignia (together with a cross above), some noticed that the inscription now contained a “V” below the IHS – so that we see IHSV. (see image on the side) In this form it was adopted by St. Ignatius as the symbol of the Jesuits.

Whether “this form” includes the sunburst or not (as in the picture) is not entirely clear.

It is well documented that Bernardino of Siena employed the “IHS” symbol with flames, to represent his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Since he died almost 50 years before Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born, it does seem that Saint Ignatius borrowed the imagery (which may have been in common usage). Yet, the symbol may have pre-dated even Saint Bernardino, according to the article in the Catholic Encyclopedia. The Jesuit order was not suppressed until approximately 300 years after those two Saints, so that would not have been a factor.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

The puzzle pieces are starting to come together…

 

[janeway529]

Interesting is right. Since the Franciscans were instrumental in having the Jesuits suppressed for a time, perhaps the absorption or adoption of the symbol was, um, well…

This site ascribes the symbol to Ignatius of Loyola, Jesuit founder.

newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-does-ihs-stand-for-meaning-of-holy.html

St. Ignatius of Loyola was greatly influenced by the life and work of St. Francis of Assisi and modeled his order on some Franciscan aspects. He may have borrowed the imagery for his own order.