A lunula is a container for the sacred host, a wafer of bread that, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, is transformed into the body of Christ during Mass. Here two angels kneel to worship the Host (now missing). As occurs in the Mass itself, the angels are swinging incense-burners that disperse sweet-smelling smoke.
c. 1360 - c. 1383
Founding
7.2cm
BK-NM-598
Image and text courtesy of Rijksmuseum, 2019
Where you'll find this
Rijksmuseum
Permanent collection