Amazing Antique Gold-Plated Silver Chalice and Paten. France, 19th Century

Amazing antique gilded silver chalice and paten made in France in the 19th century, in really good condition and with striking hand-engraved decoration. The chalice itself is a museum-quality masterpiece: its surface is completely covered by embossed of engraved motifs which make up a wonderful baroque-like decoration. The chalices base is circular and ample; at the edge we can see three engraved Catholic symbols (the Cross at the Calvary, the Sacred Heart hurt by a lance and the Eye of Providence) separated by fine overlying volutes. The rest of the chalices foot is covered by realistic motifs, all of them related to the Eucharist and the Scriptures. We can see images of Jesus, Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist among cherubs faces and groups of reeds, wheat stalks and vines with bunches of grapes (symbols of the People of God and the Eucharistic Bread and Wine). The following part is the stylized stem, which is adorned with three nodes. The main node is embellished with the stated symbols while the secondary ones show off floral motifs and fringes. The cup which crowns the chalice fits into a gorgeous openwork sub-cup composed of volutes and medallions. Each medallion contains an image of one of the Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. Again, we must highlight the extraordinary quality of their engraving work. The Virtues are accompanied by the Eucharistic symbols too. The paten that comes with the chalice, also made of gilded silver, is adorned with the HIS acronym and the Sacred Heart framed by a crown of thorns. Both the chalice and the paten bear the hallmark for antique French silver pieces and the silversmiths mark, Garnier. This superb antique gilded silver chalice and paten are worthy to belong to the treasure of a cathedral, or to a museum with a great collection of sacred art. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.42 in / 16.3 cm. Cups Width: 3.94 in / 10 cm. Height: 13.27 in / 33.7 cm. Weight: 555 g. Paten: Diameter: 6.69 in / 17 cm. Weight: 140 g. Total Weight: 695 g.