Stunning Solid Silver Bishop's Chalice with Paten. France, circa 1870

Stunning Solid Silver Bishop's Chalice, with Paten. France, circa 1870

A magnificent bishop's chalice, worthy of the Vatican Museum, large in size and crafted in France from solid silver in the late 19th century (circa 1870). This is a spectacular piece of sacred art, full of beauty and style, with intricate detailing throughout. The chalice is perfectly preserved, as is the accompanying paten, engraved with the initials IHS, the cross, and the Sacred Heart-the classic acronym representing Christ. The chalice and paten set displays unparalleled beauty, especially the chalice, whose large size allowed the silversmith who crafted it to showcase his artistry through decorative engravings of exceptional artistic quality.

The base of the chalice is large and decorated with clusters of grapes, symbolizing the wine that is transformed into the Blood of Christ during the Eucharist. A little higher up is a series of angel heads separating various depictions of religious figures-both male and female-as well as scenes from the New Testament. We can make out Saint Peter, a female figure likely representing the Virgin Mary, and a scene showing the Virgin at the feet of the crucified Christ. On the base, the central knop is again adorned with clusters of grapes and vines, as well as winged angel heads.

The chalice displays equally attractive ornamentation. It consists of an openwork silver mount attached to the stem, within which sits the chalice itself, made of plain silver. One of the engravings depicts a female figure holding an anchor, a traditional attribute of Saint Philomena in Christian iconography. There is also a depiction of the Virgin carrying a cross and the consecrated Host. Thirdly, we see another female figure accompanied by three small children. The three effigies, full of beauty, are separated from one another by three plants: wheat, reeds, and a vine. Both the chalice and the paten are hallmarked throughout-on the cup and the base-attesting to the origin and quality of the silver from which they are crafted.

This impressive bishop's chalice is a collector's item, worthy of a major museum of sacred art or to be reconsecrated and returned to the Church. It will be a luxurious acquisition for the most ambitious collector.

Dimensions: Chalice: Base: 160 mm. Total height: 300 mm. Cup height: 85 mm. Cup width: 95 mm. Paten: 160 mm diam.