Monstrans van het Maagdenhuis 1642

The ‘Monstrans van het Maagdenhuis’ was created by Thomas Bogaert, who was active in the 17th century. The monstrance, designed to hold the Eucharist, is adorned with intricate details in gold and silver, reflecting the opulence of the Catholic Church in the Netherlands. This object can be seen as part of the social history of the period. Maagdenhuis translates as 'house of virgins’ and was a Catholic institution for unmarried women or girls. The monstrance would have had a practical function for these women, and also be symbolic of the status of women within the church. The Baroque style and the cross at the top may evoke a sense of awe, but also a feeling of distance for contemporary viewers, as we witness how power and religion were historically intertwined. As you observe the craftsmanship, consider the lives of the women for whom this object held spiritual importance.