Antique Silver Chalice with Rubies and Enamels. France, XIX Century

Amazing antique sterling silver chalice and paten with hallmarks. This religious set, extremely beautiful, was made in France in the 19th century. In spite of being quite old, the chalice is in good condition and preserves its great attractive. It is decorated with engraved motives and authentic precious stones set in the silver. It also bears delicate hand-painted enamels. This detailed decoration turns the chalice into a real work of art, a singular silver piece with a great aesthetic power. The chalices ample base is lobed in shape and shows six identical parts. Three of these parts are decorated with engraved Christian symbols: wheat stalks, bunches of grapes and reeds. Between them we can see the enamels stated before, three almond-shaped pieces with images depicting the Virgin, Saint Joseph and Jesus Christ Crucified. The three figures are colorfully performed: their attention to detail and precision reveal the hand of a skillful artist. The enamel with the Virgins portrait has a small hairline, scarcely visible and hardly noticeable to the naked eye when the chalice is held in your hands, and that does not diminish the chalices beautiful look. The central node bears six rubies set in the silver, perfectly preserved and with a bright red color, and their deep tone makes a nice contrast with the glow of the gold-plated silver. Over the node we can see the cup, with a base decorated with Eucharist-inspired engraved motives: wheat stalks and bunches of grapes. The paten that comes with the chalice is decorated with a medieval-inspired star with a Greek cross inside. This piece bears the same hallmarks as the chalice Minerva goddesss head (the symbol for the French silver) and a mark with the initials L and G. As beautiful as antique, this striking chalice will shine in any collection of religious works of art or a great choice to become a fantastic chalice for the ordination of any priest who wants to re-consecrate it for the Church. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 5.31 in / 13.5 cm. Height: 9.6 in / 24.5 cm. Weight: 414 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.1 in / 13 cm.