Important Bishop's Chalice in Solid Silver with Carved Decoration. France, XIX Century

Impressive bishops chalice of a large size, made of sterling silver and with an elaborate baroque-style engraved decoration. The chalice comes with a simple and elegant paten made of the same noble metal. Both pieces come from France and were made in the 19th century. They bear hallmarks in all their parts that testify for the silvers origin and quality. The hallmarks depict Minerva goddesss head (the symbol for French sterling silver), the silversmiths mark (the letters T and F with a jar between them) and the number 38. The chalice is a really spectacular piece, big in size (11.8 inches tall) and with a remarkable decoration. The base is circular in shape and bears three engraved symbols depicting God (the triangle), the Cross and the Sacred Heart. The symbols are surrounded by an elaborate decoration of classical fringes and fig plants. Over the base, the central node shows the faces of two cherubs framed by their wings and surrounded by reeds and fig plants. The decoration shows an amazing attention to detail and is very beautiful, turning the chalice into a very special piece. Nevertheless, the most remarkable part of the chalice is the cups base. It is decorated with a series of engraved motives where three medallions stand out. They contain the portraits of the Virgin, Jesus Christ and Saint John the Baptist. The medallions are surrounded by a background of wheat stalks and fig plants. Between them we can see three angels that hold flat shields. The paten that comes with the chalice is much simpler than it, with a Greek cross engraved in the center as the only decoration. This great antique chalice is a great piece for the whole life of a priest or an extraordinarily rich piece of religious silversmith for a Parish or for a museum of sacred art. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 6.1 in / 15.5 cm. Height: 11.8 in / 30 cm. Weight: 709 g. Paten: 5.9 in / 15 cm.