Silver Chalice, ca. 1900

Spectacular Enameled Silver Chalice. Valencia, circa 1900. With Silver Paten and Hallmarked

This impressive set of a solid silver chalice and paten was crafted in Valencia in the early 20th century. Both pieces are hallmarked and are in excellent condition. The chalice features three beautiful enamel designs on its base, rich in color and hand-painted by a highly skilled artist. The set is crafted from 916 silver, as evidenced by the two hallmarks: one on the base of the chalice and the other on the paten. Together, they form the inscription "J DAVID 916," indicating that the set was crafted by the silversmith of the same name who worked in Valencia in the early 20th century.

The chalice is a piece of exceptional beauty, thanks to the delicate engraving of the silver and the fine enamel work on the base. Two of the enamel designs depict two of Valencia's patron saints: the Virgin of the Forsaken and Saint Joseph. The third shows the image of Jesus Christ with the Sacred Heart. On the knop, we can see a series of capital letters engraved in the silver, each within a rhomboidal frame, which spell out the word JESUS. The piece is decorated with delicate, classically inspired engravings, featuring plant scrollwork and fleurs-de-lis. There are also lattice-shaped appliqués on the base and on the part that supports the chalice.

The paten is also a very special piece. Engraved on it is the Latin inscription HOC ES ENIM CORPUS MEUM, the words attributed to Jesus Christ during the Last Supper: "This is my body," which the priest repeats during the Consecration. The inscription is arranged in a circle and surrounds the central motif: two hearts with a Latin cross between them. Both the chalice and the paten are very well preserved, with the excellent condition of the enamels being particularly striking: rich in color, without cracks or chips, and executed with undeniable precision and charm.

This set, consisting of a silver chalice and paten, is destined to stand out in even the finest collection of sacred art, thanks to its quality and beauty.

Dimensions: Chalice: Width: 100 mm. Height: 250 mm. Paten: 150 mm diameter.