Chalice
1780-1799 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The chalice is the central sacred vessel of the Catholic church, in which the priest consecrates wine during the service of Mass. This chalice would have been originally accompanied by a paten (dish) for the consecrated bread. According to Catholic belief the wine and bread are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ during the Mass.
This chalice is designed in the neoclassical style, inspired by the mid 18th century revival of interest in the architecture and ornament of classical Greece and Rome. Despite their 'pagan' associations, neoclassical designs dominated church architecture and furnishings in the second half of the 18th century. However, the design of this Italian chalice is far removed from the austerity advocated by early neoclassical designers in the hunt for a 'true style'. It is richly ornamented with pierced cagework and seed pearls around the cup and its base is so heavy that it makes the piece almost impractical.
This chalice is designed in the neoclassical style, inspired by the mid 18th century revival of interest in the architecture and ornament of classical Greece and Rome. Despite their 'pagan' associations, neoclassical designs dominated church architecture and furnishings in the second half of the 18th century. However, the design of this Italian chalice is far removed from the austerity advocated by early neoclassical designers in the hunt for a 'true style'. It is richly ornamented with pierced cagework and seed pearls around the cup and its base is so heavy that it makes the piece almost impractical.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver-gilt, decorated with pearls |
| Brief description | Church plate, Continental |
| Physical description | Chalice with square base and stepped sides and laurel mouldings, the foot enclosed by 4 angled brackets with applied acanthus leaves ending in double scrolls, vase shaped knop, the bowl enclosed in openwork calyx in 4 sections. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased with funds from the Hildburgh Bequest |
| Summary | The chalice is the central sacred vessel of the Catholic church, in which the priest consecrates wine during the service of Mass. This chalice would have been originally accompanied by a paten (dish) for the consecrated bread. According to Catholic belief the wine and bread are miraculously transformed into the blood and body of Christ during the Mass. This chalice is designed in the neoclassical style, inspired by the mid 18th century revival of interest in the architecture and ornament of classical Greece and Rome. Despite their 'pagan' associations, neoclassical designs dominated church architecture and furnishings in the second half of the 18th century. However, the design of this Italian chalice is far removed from the austerity advocated by early neoclassical designers in the hunt for a 'true style'. It is richly ornamented with pierced cagework and seed pearls around the cup and its base is so heavy that it makes the piece almost impractical. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.31-1973 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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