Antique Gold-Plated Silver Chalice. France, 19th Century

Striking antique gold-plated silver chalice made in France in the 19th century and in fine condition. The chalice comes with its paten, also made of solid silver; both bear hallmarks which indicate that they were made by the prestigious silversmith Favier. The pieces also show the mark for antique French silver; these hallmarks guarantee the quality, ancient age and authorship of the set. The chalice is a beautiful Neo-Gothic piece, with a star-shaped foot made up of pointed arches. The silver cross which adorns the front side of the base is not the original one; it has been replaced by a similar one, made of gold-plated solid silver by a silversmith. The chalices foot is completely covered by gorgeous embossed motifs, abstract and symmetrical designs made of slim silver strips. They make up a clearly medieval-inspired decoration full of charm and beauty. Over the base the stem has two nodes: the main one, bigger in size and located at the top, and a secondary one underneath. Crowning the chalice we can see the outstanding sub-cup, an extremely delicate silver openwork piece which reveals the hand of a real artist. At the cups edge we can see the hallmarks stated before. The paten that comes with the chalice is another sacred artwork and boasts a handmade decoration which includes religious images and symbols. At the center we can see the Lamb of God inside a circle and framed by four semicircles. Each one of them contains the symbol of one of the Fourth Evangelists: the eagle, the bull, the angel and the lion. The images are carefully engraved and show off an amazing attention to detail; they are framed by medieval-inspired vegetal motifs. At the patens edge we can see the hallmarks again. This antique gold-plated silver chalice and paten set is a real work of art. Its authorship and impressive decoration make it worthy of a place in the best collection. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm. Cups Width: 3,75 in / 9.5 cm. Height: 10 in / 25.5 cm. Weight: 546 g. Paten: Diameter: 6.3 in / 16 cm. Weight: 140 g. Total Weight: 686 g.