Cup
Hallmarked for 1602 - 1603 (made)
Object Type
Originally this cup would have been used for wine or hippocras (a sweet concoction of sugar, spices and wine). However, it was later given to the church of St Nicholas, Berden, by Elizabeth, Lady Coventry (who died in 1653). It then became a chalice for communion wine. Although impractical, it would have made a handsome addition to the church altar.
Design
The shape of this cup is based upon a gourd with the stem in the form of a tree trunk. Cups based on fruit or vegetables were popular in Germany in the 15th century and the fashion was revived in Britain. It has been suggested that English goldsmiths were inspired by the printed designs of the German artist and engraver Albrecht Drer (1471-1528). However, it is also possible that some gourd cups were imported or were made by German goldsmiths working in London.
The top of the cup is shaped like a steeple. Steeples or obelisks were a popular late Renaissance ornament, often seen in architecture and even topiary. The steeple gave the cup height and presence and indicated the status and prestige of its owner.
Use and Ownership
It is quite common to find secular metalwork in churches. Silver or silver-gilt cups and dishes would be given as chalices or alms dishes in a sign of religious devotion. Church collections therefore often preserve objects that would otherwise have been melted down or remodelled as they went out of fashion.
Lady Coventry may have given this cup to the church of St Nicholas in memory of her first husband, William Pitchford, who had links with the parish.
Originally this cup would have been used for wine or hippocras (a sweet concoction of sugar, spices and wine). However, it was later given to the church of St Nicholas, Berden, by Elizabeth, Lady Coventry (who died in 1653). It then became a chalice for communion wine. Although impractical, it would have made a handsome addition to the church altar.
Design
The shape of this cup is based upon a gourd with the stem in the form of a tree trunk. Cups based on fruit or vegetables were popular in Germany in the 15th century and the fashion was revived in Britain. It has been suggested that English goldsmiths were inspired by the printed designs of the German artist and engraver Albrecht Drer (1471-1528). However, it is also possible that some gourd cups were imported or were made by German goldsmiths working in London.
The top of the cup is shaped like a steeple. Steeples or obelisks were a popular late Renaissance ornament, often seen in architecture and even topiary. The steeple gave the cup height and presence and indicated the status and prestige of its owner.
Use and Ownership
It is quite common to find secular metalwork in churches. Silver or silver-gilt cups and dishes would be given as chalices or alms dishes in a sign of religious devotion. Church collections therefore often preserve objects that would otherwise have been melted down or remodelled as they went out of fashion.
Lady Coventry may have given this cup to the church of St Nicholas in memory of her first husband, William Pitchford, who had links with the parish.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Silver gilt, cast, chased and embossed |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Coat of arms of the Newcomen family; underneath are the initials PB, for 'Parish of Berden' |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
SILVER FOR DISPLAY Precious metal vessels decorated in the Renaissance style were used in both domestic and church settings. At this period presents were given at New Year, rather than Christmas. Drinking cups, intended for display on a magnificent buffet of tiered shelves, were a popular gift. The inclusion of the owner's initials or coat of arms indicated his high social standing. An elaborate salt cellar marked the position of the most important person at the dining table.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | St Nicholas' Church, Berden |
| Object history | Given by Elizabeth, Lady Coventry (died 1653), to the parish church of St. Nicholas, Berden, EssexMade in London by an unidentified maker with the mark 'IE' above three pellets |
| Summary | Object Type Originally this cup would have been used for wine or hippocras (a sweet concoction of sugar, spices and wine). However, it was later given to the church of St Nicholas, Berden, by Elizabeth, Lady Coventry (who died in 1653). It then became a chalice for communion wine. Although impractical, it would have made a handsome addition to the church altar. Design The shape of this cup is based upon a gourd with the stem in the form of a tree trunk. Cups based on fruit or vegetables were popular in Germany in the 15th century and the fashion was revived in Britain. It has been suggested that English goldsmiths were inspired by the printed designs of the German artist and engraver Albrecht Drer (1471-1528). However, it is also possible that some gourd cups were imported or were made by German goldsmiths working in London. The top of the cup is shaped like a steeple. Steeples or obelisks were a popular late Renaissance ornament, often seen in architecture and even topiary. The steeple gave the cup height and presence and indicated the status and prestige of its owner. Use and Ownership It is quite common to find secular metalwork in churches. Silver or silver-gilt cups and dishes would be given as chalices or alms dishes in a sign of religious devotion. Church collections therefore often preserve objects that would otherwise have been melted down or remodelled as they went out of fashion. Lady Coventry may have given this cup to the church of St Nicholas in memory of her first husband, William Pitchford, who had links with the parish. |
| Bibliographic reference | Montagu Benton, G., F.W. Galpin and W.J. Pressey, The Church Plate of the County of Essex. Colchester: Benham & Co., 1926. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:BERDEN.1:1-2 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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