Antique Silver Chalice. Enameled Crosses. Valencia, Spain, 1942

Antique Silver Chalice with Enameled Crosses. Valencia, Spain, 1942

This magnificent silver chalice, crafted in Spain in 1942, stands out not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for the profound historical and symbolic value it carries. Entirely made of silver, the piece is richly decorated with vegetal motifs engraved and embossed along its base, stem, and cup holder. The base, elegant and bell-shaped, is adorned with a refined garland of stylized leaves, among which are embedded four round medallions with crosses, three of which are enameled in vibrant red, blue, and green, beautifully contrasting the polished silver.

An inscription on the underside of the base reveals its unique story: “La Acción Católica de Santos Juanes a su Reverendo Señor Cura Dr. Don Vicente Fontelles Puchades en sus Bodas de Plata, Valencia 24-6-1917-1942.” ("The Catholic Action of Saints John to their Reverend Parish Priest Dr. Don Vicente Fontelles Puchades on his Silver Jubilee, Valencia 24-6-1917-1942.") With this dedication, the Santos Juanes parish in Valencia honored the priest for his 25th anniversary in ministry. This detail reinforces not only the devotional use of the chalice, but also transforms it into a historical document of religious life in post-war Spain.

The smooth interior of the cup sits above a richly decorated nodus, with a domed shape surrounded by engraved foliage, facilitating grip during the liturgy and completing the silhouette of this traditional Catholic vessel. The openwork on the cup body enhances its Gothic elegance, with elongated leaves rising like a vegetal crown. Though it lacks visible silver hallmarks, the piece is guaranteed to be made of solid silver and weighs 496 grams.

Its story is deeply tied to the Church of Santos Juanes, one of Valencia’s most important and historic churches, dating back to the 13th century. Extensively renovated in the Baroque period, the church remains a central spiritual institution in the city. The fact that such a high-quality chalice was gifted to Dr. Vicente Fontelles Puchades reflects the immense appreciation of the local Catholic community.

Its detailed ornamentation, symbolic enamel crosses, and personalized inscription make this chalice a true treasure of Spanish 20th-century sacred art, a liturgical piece with soul, beauty, and historical weight, perfect to be used once again in church services.

Measurements: 23 x 13.7 x 8.3 cm (9 x 5.39 x 3.27 in). Weight: 496 g.

History of the Santos Juanes Church and Dr. Vicente Fontelles Puchades

The Church of Santos Juanes (Saints John), also known as San Juan del Mercado, is one of the most important religious landmarks in Valencia. Originally built on a former mosque, the church was consecrated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. While its origins trace back to the 13th century, its current Baroque appearance is the result of a major reconstruction during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notably, it houses paintings by the renowned artist Antonio Palomino, a disciple of Claudio Coello.

Over centuries, the Santos Juanes church has been a hub of Catholic activity in the city. The Catholic Action movement, a lay apostolic group of that era, played a major role in the church's social and spiritual life. Their gift of such a finely crafted chalice to a priest highlights the esteem in which Dr. Vicente Fontelles Puchades was held.

Dr. Vicente Fontelles Puchades was a deeply respected priest in the Valencian community. Ordained in 1917, he carried out his ministry during one of Spain’s most turbulent times, spanning the Civil War and its aftermath. Celebrating his silver jubilee in 1942 with a silver chalice of this quality was both a personal honor and a symbol of resilience and devotion during difficult times. Though his full biography may not be widely known, his legacy is preserved in this exceptional piece and in the memory of the church he served.

Thus, this chalice is more than a liturgical item, it is a testimony of faith, history, and gratitude, perfect for collectors of sacred art or anyone seeking a meaningful and historically rich religious artifact.