Antique Neo-Gothic Silver Chalice with Scenes of Jesus. France, Circa 1870

Extraordinary neo-gothic silver chalice with scenes of the Life of Jesus, made in France circa 1870 and in striking condition. The chalice comes with an exceptional paten, also made of gilt and white silver with a detailed embossed central image depicting the Last Supper. The chalice shows an elaborated medieval-inspired design, with many engraved motifs in white silver over the gilt background. The lobed base is divided in six sections with scenes of the Life of Jesus: his Birth in the Stable of Bethlehem, the Baptism with Saint John, the Prayer in the Garden, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross and the Resurrection among the Dead. The scenes are gorgeous and are performed with remarkable detail. The stem is hexagonal in section and is adorned with a fine-looking node, decorated with vegetal-inspired embossed motifs and the letters of the name JESUS. The beautiful openwork subcup is composed of gothic arches and stylized vegetal motifs; it holds a cup with the engraved inscription HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI (This is the Chalice of My Blood). At the foot and near the cups edge, the chalice bears the hallmarks which testify for its origin and quality. On the other hand, the paten has its own inscription: QUI MANDUCAT HUNC PANEM VIVET IN AETERNUM (The One Who Eats This Bread will Live Forever) and has its corresponding hallmarks too. Beautiful and antique, this extraordinary neo-gothic silver chalice with scenes of the Life of Jesus is a super piece, perfect for a priest with a passion for works of art. Dimensions: Chalice: Cups Width: 5.83 in / 14.8 cm. Cups Width: 4.33 in / 11 cm. Height: 9.06 in / 23 cm. Paten: Diameter: 5.91 in / 15 cm. Weight: 171 g. Total Weight: 859 g.