Portugal (Lisbon)

João de Sousa's Masterpiece: The 17th-Century Silver Tabernacle of São Vicente de Fora (1674–1678)

2570

17th century Executed between 1674 and 1678 by the Portuguese goldsmith João de Sousa.

Religious Purpose: Designed to securely house the Eucharistic host (the Blessed Sacrament) on the altar for liturgical veneration. Votive and Political Purpose: Commissioned as a grand royal gift from King Afonso VI in thanksgiving for the decisive Portuguese victory at the Battle of Montes Claros in 1665, which successfully restored Portugal's independence from Spain.