The Eucharist

Maso di Banco, Giuseppe Lelli (cast maker)
  • Thumbnail image of the artwork
  • Thumbnail image of the artwork
  • Thumbnail image of the artwork
Artist
Maso di Banco
működött Firenzében a 14. század második negyedében

Giuseppe Lelli
(cast maker)
Firenze
Dated
1337—1341 (original), 1909 (cast)
Medium
plaster cast
Dimensions
115 × 86 × 13 cm
Inv.no.
Rg.136
Department
Sculptures - Plaster casts
Current Location of the Original Artwork
Italy, Florence, Campanile

The rhombic relief decorates the lower part of the bell tower of the Florence Cathedral, built between 1334 and 1359. The reliefs on the northern façade of the tower, which depict the Seven Sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, the Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, Holy Orders) were carved by Giotto’s most talented pupil, Maso di Banco (active from ca. 1335 – deceased 1348). The relief representing the Eucharist depicts a priest from the rear offering Mass with a kneeling ministrant at his side. The priest is holding up high above the altar the Holy Sacrament, which becomes the body and blood of Christ during the Consecration.