Beautiful Set of Chalice and Silver Paten with Contrasts. France, XIX Century

This impressive solid silver chalice is quite a singular piece because of its beauty and ancient age. It was made in France in the 19th century and comes with a silver paten. They both bear hallmarks engraved in the metal - the chalice itself bears hallmarks in all its parts, cup and base. The set is in amazing condition and is very remarkable for the wonderful engraved decoration that embellished the silver surface. The chalice is particularly beautiful, with a striking design full of embossed and engraved motives and scenes from the Bible. The chalice has an ample circular base decorated with three engraved medallions. The images depict scenes of the Calvary and the Death of Christ. One of them shows Jesus Christ with tied hands and the Crown of Thorns, just before the Crucifixion. A second medallion depicts Peter (who is recognizable for his symbol, the keys) after he had denied Jesus Christ three times. To the right we can see a cock singing, just as Our Lord prophesied. The third scene shows the crucified Christ with the Virgin at his feet. Between the medallions there are other engraved scenes depicting the Cross. The stem shows a nice decoration with nodes, moldings and floral elements engraved and embossed. Just over it, the cups base is a silver filigree piece adorned with angels cherubs' heads that contains the cup itself, made of gilded silver. On the other hand, the paten is decorated with a Greek cross and a fringe depicting a grapevine. Both pieces bear hallmarks that testify for the origin and quality of this amazing work of art. Because of its antiquity and intrinsic beauty, this chalice and paten are worthy of a museum of sacred art or may be a chalice for a lifetime for any priest. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 5.2 in / 13.3 cm. Height: 10.6 in / 27 cm. Weight: 373 g. Paten: 5.1 in / 13 cm Diameter. Weight: 82 g.