silver and silver-gilt, unmarked, English, London, around 1735, attributed to Charles Kandler.

A silver-gilt cup with flared lip and central rib with applied pierced silver on the bowl, baluster stem and trumpet-shaped base incorporating cherubs and Instruments of the Passion, the crown of thorns and nails. The paten is engraved with the letter IHS.

Lent by Diocese of Brentwood

The chalice and paten were made as part of a set of altar plate by the London-based German goldsmith Charles Kandler for the private chapel of the Petre family at Thorndon Hall, Essex in about 1735.
The 'best chalice' was used on Exposition Days including Christmas Day, Candlemas, Easter Sunday, Whitsunday, Ascensionday. On Maundy Thursday 'The best chalice must be set in the Canopy and a crown upon it'.

Secret Catholicism
After the Reformation, the Roman Catholic faith was severely restricted. Catholics who refused to attend Church of England services were known as recusants and until the late 17th century they had to worship in secret. However, the Dukes of Norfolk and aristocratic families such as the Arundells at Wardour Castle encouraged Catholic communities to use their private chapels and so kept the faith alive.

The Catholic plate that survives from before the 1660s is mainly limited to chalices, paxes and pyxes. These earlier pieces are rarely marked. After 1688, Catholic plate was more often hallmarked and the range of forms expanded to include sanctuary lamps, cruets and incense boats.

In London, Catholics could worship openly in foreign embassy chapels. The silver from the Sardinian Embassy chapel can be seen in the case to the right. During the reign of Charles II, Catholic courtiers could also attend the queen’s private chapel and that of the Queen Mother, Henrietta Maria.

Charles Kandler, a German-trained goldsmith embroiled himself in the Catholic and Tory community. He had many Roman Catholic patrons and made plate for the Duke of Norfolk's private chapel at Arundel Castle. He also worked for William Meynell, 3rd Duke of Cleveland and Hugh, 3rd Lord Clifford of Chudleigh.

A chalice and paten were used during the Mass to serve the consecrated wine and bread. These ones are possibly the work of Charles Kandler, a leading London goldsmith who came originally from Dresden.

The applied ornament on the chalice includes cherubs with the Instruments of the Passion (objects associated with Christ’s suffering and Crucifixion). The paten is engraved with the sacred monogram ‘IHS’ (a contraction of the name Jesus Christ in Greek).

LOAN:MET ANON.11-2004