Chalice thumbnail 1
Chalice thumbnail 2

Chalice

1365 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A chalice was used during the Mass to serve the consecrated wine. The form and ornament of this example are typical of a type made in large numbers in Tuscany. The finest were made entirely of silver gilt and enamel. Slightly cheaper versions, such as these, had a silver bowl and a copper-gilt foot and stem.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver and copper, gilt, enriched with enamel
Brief description
Copper-gilt with enamelled silver mounts, the bowl of silver-gilt, Tuscany, Italy, dated 1365
Physical description
Chalice, the bowl of silver-gilt, the rest copper-gilt, enamelled. On the knop are six silver medallions with half length figures of Christ, the Virgin, an angel and various Saints, all enriched with translucent enamels. Below the knop, on an hexagonal shaft, is an inscription, incised and filled in with blue enamel: "+ An(n)o D(omini) 1365. Isto calix e(st) Societatis Sci Michaelis I Johanis buti prioris in tempore suis (sic)". This records that the chalice belonged to the Prior of the Guild of St. Michael, probably in Florence.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8.0625in
  • Foot width: 5.25in
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Inscription in blue enamel on the shaft: "+ An(n)o D(omini) 1365 Isto calix e(st) Societatis Sci Michaelis I Johanis buti prioris tempore suis (sic)
Gallery label
(22/11/2005)
Two Italian Chalices

A chalice was used during the Mass to serve the consecrated wine. The form and ornament of this example are typical of a type made in large numbers in Tuscany. The finest were made entirely of silver gilt and enamel. Slightly cheaper versions, such as these, had a silver bowl and a copper-gilt foot and stem.

Tuscany, Italy, dated 1365. Copper gilt, with
enamelled silver mounts, the bowl of silver gilt
Probably Tuscany, Italy, 1350–1400. Copper gilt,
with enamelled silver mounts and silver-gilt bowl
Museum nos. 527-1893; 473-1907
Subjects depicted
Summary
A chalice was used during the Mass to serve the consecrated wine. The form and ornament of this example are typical of a type made in large numbers in Tuscany. The finest were made entirely of silver gilt and enamel. Slightly cheaper versions, such as these, had a silver bowl and a copper-gilt foot and stem.
Collection
Accession number
527-1893

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Record createdNovember 7, 2005
Record URL
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