John Singer Sargent (Florence, 1856 - 1925, London)
Tabernacle of the Eucharist with the Wafer: Cast of a Cartouche in the Boston Public Library, 1903-1916
Plaster , 27.9 x 47.9 cm (11 x 18 7/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This small, plaster, relief sculpture is discolored or stained to a honey color. It is roughly rectangular with a horizontal orientation and slightly rounded sides. The main image is a central round sun-like form with thick rays surrounding it. The sun is supported by a short candlestick-like element. The candlestick and sun are enclosed in a rectangular cabinet with an arched top and two open doors. A long, thin, plaster cloth is draped like a swag over each door. There is a decorative, large, double curved wave form at the top and bottom that connects the cabinet motif to a decorative molding consisting of rows of circular or spiraling geometric shapes.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.