Antique French Solid Silver Chalice with Paten. France, 19th Century

Beautiful liturgical set composed of a sterling-silver chalice and paten, made in France in the 19th century. Both pieces are made of gold-plated silver and remain in great condition. The chalice boasts a lovely design, with a profuse decoration and an elegant and stylized look. It has several engraved rosettes with images of biblical characters and symbolic Eucharist-related elements. One of the rosettes has been carefully restored and now boasts an excellent condition; it does no clash with the rest of the piece. The chalices base is circular and is decorated with engraved scenes depicting relevant moments of the last days of Jesus the Agony in the Garden, the moment when He falls while carrying the Cross and the Crucifixion. The scenes are separated by images of bunches of grapes in the fig, symbol of the Eucharistic wine (Jesus Christs Blood). Over the base, the stem is adorned with several nodes. The main node bears two images of saint women, one with a torch and the other with an anchor (probably Saint Philomena). Finally, the cup is decorated with three profile portraits depicting the Holy Family Jesus Christ, Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary. Between the cups portratits there are some engraved motives depicting wheat stalks and bunches of grapes, symbols of the Eucharistic bread and wine. As for the paten, it shows off a nice simple design: it is decorated with a Greek cross in the center, surrounded by a fine fringe of vegetal motives. Both pieces bear hallmarks in all their parts, especially the one with the French silver symbol (a profile of Minerva goddesss). Its stylized beauty and ancient age turn this chalice into a magnificent sacred-art piece that will shine in any collection. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 6.2 in / 16 cm. Height: 12.9 in / 33 cm. Weight: 608 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.3 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 74 g.