Chalice thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

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.


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
  • Height: 31cm
  • Length: 16.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Engraved: BCV under a coat of arms
  • [marks]
  • PPA (Unidentified maker's mark)
Gallery label
Silver Gallery: The 'Age of Reason' represented a challenge to the religion but neoclassical designs still dominated church architecture and furnishings from the mid 18th-century. This Italian chalice however is far removed from the austerity advocated by early designers in the hunt for true style. It is richly ornamented with pierced cagework and seed pearls around the cup and its base is so heavy as to almost turn the chalice into a non-functional monument. Purchased with funds from the Hildburgh Bequest(26/11/2002)
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 createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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