Chalice thumbnail 1
Chalice thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sacred Silver & Stained Glass, Room 83, The Whiteley Galleries

Chalice

mid 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This chalice originally belonged to James Alipius Goold who became the first Catholic bishop (later archbishop) of Melbourne in 1847. He was an Irishman from County Cork who had studied for the priesthood at Augustinian monasteries in Perugia and Viterbo in Italy.

The foot and bowl of the chalice are decorated with grapes and sheaves of wheat. This decoration refers to the bread and wine used in the Last Supper which Christ ate with his disciples before his arrest. In the mass the bread and wine are believed by Roman Catholics to become the body and blood of Christ. The decoration therefore relates to the function and significance of the chalice.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Chalice
  • Paten
Materials and techniques
Silver-gilt with chased decoration
Brief description
Silver-gilt, made in Paris, second half of the nineteenth century.
Physical description
The chalice has a hexafoil foot, stamp-cut with a beaded rim, the trefoliated lobes have wheat ears alternating with a single bunch of grapes and vine-leaves. The details are chased and the background matted. A roll moulding separates the foot from the tubular stem. The flattened spherical knop is divided into six segments with broad ribbing between them. Each segment has a Gothic quatrefoil on its most prominent surface and a field of engraved diapering above and below. The calyx of the tall bowl has stamped pierced work echoing the motifs of the foot. The bowl appears to be a replacement.

Paten:
Circular paten with a profiled moulding around the centre so that it can rest within the bowl of the chalice. The central area engraved with a crown of thorns, the letters IHS (Sacred Monogram) and the Sacred Heart pierced with three nails
Dimensions
  • Height: 24.50cm
  • Base diameter: 15.10cm
  • Of paten diameter: 131mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • BIAIS AINE ET CIE, PARIS (Stamped Biais Aine et Cie, Paris and marked HL with a device (unidentified maker's mark). Paris guarantee mark from 1838.)
  • (Marked HL with a device (unidentified maker's mark). Paris guarantee mark from 1838)
Gallery label
Chalice and Paten This paten would have been used during the Mass to serve the consecrated bread. Along with a chalice, it originally belonged to James Alipius Goold, who became the first Roman Catholic bishop of Melbourne in 1847 (and later archbishop). He was an Irishman from County Cork who had studied for the priesthood at Augustinian monasteries in Perugia and Viterbo in Italy. The paten is decorated with a crown of thorns, referring to that worn by Jesus on the cross, the letters ‘IHS’ and a heart pierced by three nails. ‘IHS’ represents a contraction of the name Jesus Christ in Greek. Known as the ‘Sacred Monogram’, it has been used as a symbol for Christ since the 6th century. The heart pierced by nails is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol that became popular among Catholics in the 17th century. Paris, France, about 1850; marked ‘HL’ Silver gilt Museum no. M.25 & A –1983(22/11/2005)
Object history
Previously the property of James Goold, the first Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia.
Historical context
Saints and Symbols
Like most religions, Christianity has a rich language of images and symbols. This iconography would have been clearly understood in the past but it may be less familiar to modern eyes.

Though often decorative, the symbols used on religious metalwork also refer to the function and significance of the objects. The contemplation of religious motifs can draw believers into a deeper understanding of their faith. Complex theological themes can be represented in a visual form. A chalice, for example, might be adorned with the tools used in the Crucifixion (the 'Instruments of the Passion') to direct the viewer's mind towards Christ's sacrifice and his death on the cross.

The use of images has caused controversy throughout Christian history. While supporters held that imagery glorified God and helped believers understand their faith better, critics attacked its use as superstition and idolatry.

Saints
Christians venerate saints as men and women who, through the holiness of their lives, became especially close to God. The saints include martyrs who suffered and died for their faith as well as great teachers and preachers. Their lives provide an example and inspiration for the faithful. Roman Catholics also believe that saints can intercede on their behalf with God. In Christian iconography, saints are usually depicted with a distinctive object or 'attribute' associated with their martyrdom or works. For example, St Bartholomew, who was skinned alive, holds a flaying knife, and St George is shown with a dragon.
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Subjects depicted
Summary
This chalice originally belonged to James Alipius Goold who became the first Catholic bishop (later archbishop) of Melbourne in 1847. He was an Irishman from County Cork who had studied for the priesthood at Augustinian monasteries in Perugia and Viterbo in Italy.

The foot and bowl of the chalice are decorated with grapes and sheaves of wheat. This decoration refers to the bread and wine used in the Last Supper which Christ ate with his disciples before his arrest. In the mass the bread and wine are believed by Roman Catholics to become the body and blood of Christ. The decoration therefore relates to the function and significance of the chalice.
Collection
Accession number
M.25&A-1983

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest