Ciro Ferri Monstrance
This was made to house the relic of St John the Baptist’s forearm. It was a most precious relic for the Order as this was the relic of the hand that baptised Christ in the river Jordan.
The monstrance was ordered by Italian Grand Master Gregorio Carafa whose coat of arms can be seen prominently displayed. It is made of bronze and gilt with silver ornaments and was cast in Rome by Ciro Ferri, a well known sculptor whose style was particularly influenced by the leading Baroque sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini.
The relic had a golden reliquary studded with precious stones. However, this was confiscated in 1798 when Napoleon invaded Malta. The relic itself was taken out of Malta by the last Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch as he fled the island.
