Antique French baroque chalice. Gilt silver. Paris, France, 1819–1838

Antique French baroque chalice in gilt silver. Paris, France, 1819-1838

Beautiful French chalice in gilded silver accompanied by a paten, both richly decorated with religious and symbolic motifs characteristic of 19th-century liturgical silverwork.

The chalice bears the official Paris hallmarks used between 1819 and 1838, visible both on the base and on the rim of the cup. These marks not only allow the piece to be dated with precision but also confirm its origin and the nobility of the materials used in its creation. During this period, France experienced an important religious and artistic revival after the upheavals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire. The Bourbon Restoration and later the July Monarchy promoted a resurgence of Catholic worship and the arts connected to it. Liturgical silverwork regained its strength, and Paris once again became one of the major centers for the production of religious objects in silver and gold. Parisian workshops, regulated by a strict hallmarking system, produced chalices, monstrances, ciboria, and other liturgical items of the highest artistic quality, blending Neobaroque and Neoclassical tastes with Gothic influences.

The chalice’s base is broad and firmly set, adorned with three oval medallions representing the Three Theological Virtues. Faith is depicted with a cross, Hope with an anchor, and Charity with two children, one in her arms and another at her feet, in a tender and expressive scene. These medallions are separated by elegant vegetal motifs in relief, including grape clusters, sheaves of wheat, and reeds — symbols connected to the Eucharist, sacrifice, and eternal life. The base is completed with a perimeter decoration of vertical flutes and raised flowers, adding visual dynamism and balance to the ensemble.

The node of the chalice, voluminous and shaped like a vegetal pod, continues the same symbolic language with reliefs of wheat, grapes, and reeds framed within pointed cartouches, visually linking the different parts of the chalice. The transition from the base to the cup is harmonious, maintaining an uninterrupted richness of decoration throughout.

The cup itself rises simply from the node and is completely gilded inside, with a brilliant finish that warmly reflects the light. Externally, three medallions are arranged equidistantly, separated by the same vegetal motifs that run throughout the piece. The first medallion shows Christ crucified, not at the moment of death, but ascending solemnly toward the heavens in a scene of spiritual elevation. The second medallion depicts the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, standing on the moon and crushing the serpent's head beneath her heel, a deeply symbolic representation of victory over evil. The third medallion portrays the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and the Child Jesus, gathered in an intimate and devotional scene, symbolizing love, unity, and the protection of the Christian home.

The chalice is in very good condition, with the gilding still vibrant and the reliefs well defined. There are no signs of restoration or visible damage. Minor marks from the passage of time are minimal and do not detract from the beauty or value of the piece. As the central element of the liturgical treasury, the chalice was not only functional but conceived as a work of art, showing a balance between structural simplicity and iconographic richness, as evident in this example. Many chalices of this time were also commissioned as votive offerings in gratitude or family gifts, often adding emotional and testimonial value.

The chalice is accompanied by a paten in silver, with one side fully gilded and the other in white silver, featuring at its center the IHS monogram with a cross above the H and a flame emerging from a heart below, the classic symbol of Jesus’ name and the Sacred Heart. The paten bears a pair of hallmarks, though worn and illegible. It is also in good condition, showing slight signs of use but no dents or structural damage.

This set, typical of the Parisian tradition of the first third of the 19th century, embodies presence, harmony, symbolic richness, and a perfect synthesis of faith, history, and beauty. Today, such chalices are highly sought after by collectors, priests, museums, and lovers of sacred art, valued not only for their material worth but for the testimony they represent of a time of religious and artistic rebirth.

Do not miss the opportunity to acquire this Eucharistic set of great quality and profound spiritual and artistic value.

Measurements:

Chalice: 29.5 x 15.8 x 9 cm (11.61 x 6.22 x 3.54 in) – Weight: 496 g
Paten: Ø 15 cm (5.91 in) – Weight: 127 g
Total Weight: 623 g