Spectacular Chalice with Paten, Both in Hallmarked Solid Silver. France, 1890-1910

Spectacular Chalice with Paten, Both in Hallmarked Solid Silver. France, 1890-1910

Fascinating set of a chalice and paten made of solid silver, hand-engraved with scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints, and in its original case. This piece originates from France and is of great antiquity, having been crafted in the late 19th or early 20th century. Both the chalice and the paten are heavy and solid, featuring hallmarks throughout. The quality of the precious metal from which they are made, their stylized design, and the beauty of the engravings that adorn them make these two items true works of sacred art, possessing timeless appeal and magnificent presence.

The chalice features a design inspired by medieval pieces, with a wide, robust base that supports the stem and the bowl. The base has a lobed shape and is divided into four equal sections separated by ribbed reliefs. The ribs are gilded silver and the sections are plain silver, creating a beautiful contrast. Each section is engraved with a finely rendered scene. One of them depicts Christ crucified with the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist at his feet; to his right, two reclining figures appear to be contemplating the scene. The next scene depicts the Annunciation of the angel to the Virgin Mary, while in the final scene we see Saint Joseph with two of the flowers with which he is usually depicted: lilies of the valley and lilies.

The knop of the chalice is also engraved, in this case with letters in high relief. These letters form the following inscription: "SANGUIS MEUS VERE EST POTUS," which in Latin means "Where my blood truly is," referring to the chalice, the irreplaceable vessel for the wine of the Eucharist. Above the knop, the cup rises on the same gilded ribs that separate four engraved sections. Each section features the image of a flowering plant along with the name of a saint associated with it: Saint Joseph, Saint Ludovico, Saint Angela, and Saint Romanus. Above the images is an inscription enameled in various shades of blue: "HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUIS MEI," which means "This is the chalice of my blood." The paten, for its part, is also hallmarked and features a beautiful engraving depicting The Last Supper.

Of striking beauty, this set of chalice and paten is a unique piece due to its age and its immense artistic appeal.

Dimensions: Chalice: Width: 14.2 cm. Height: 23 cm. Paten: Diameter: 14.7 cm.