Antique baroque chalice and paten. Gilt silver. Montagny. Paris, France 1836

Antique baroque chalice and paten in gilt silver. Montagny. Paris, France 1836

Magnificent antique liturgical set consisting of a chalice and its matching paten, crafted in gilt silver and dated to the year 1836, according to the inscription engraved on its base. Both pieces bear official hallmarks from Paris, France, used between 1819 and 1838, visible on the rim and base of the chalice and on the surface of the paten. This superb ensemble is an outstanding example of early 19th-century sacred art, with clear baroque influence in its exuberant ornamentation and symbolic depth.

The chalice is richly decorated from its base to the rim of the cup, with a style that is both lavish and symbolic, making it a true jewel of religious goldsmithing. The circular base displays an extraordinary high-relief composition centered on three oval medallions surrounded by grape clusters, bundles of wheat, reeds, and winged cherub heads, all executed with impressive detail and craftsmanship. One of the medallions shows Jesus on the Cross in a dramatic, expressive scene. The second depicts Jesus wearing the mantle, holding the staff and crown of thorns, a symbol of his Passion. The third medallion illustrates St. Peter in the act of denying Christ before the rooster crows, a moment filled with emotional and spiritual weight.

The knob of the chalice is robust and decorated, adorned with the same Eucharistic motifs: vines, wheat stalks, and reeds, symbols of the wine and bread consecrated during the Eucharist. Moving up toward the cup, the decoration remains rich and elaborate. This upper section features three medallions signed "Montagny," likely referring to Jean-Pierre Montagny, a renowned 19th-century French artist known for his religious and commemorative medallions. The medallions beautifully portray the three Theological Virtues: Faith, holding a cross; Hope, with an anchor; and Charity, holding a child. Between these medallions, the surface is entirely covered with vegetal motifs, grapevines, wheat sheaves, and reeds, intertwined to form a harmonious and deeply symbolic visual tapestry.

The interior of the chalice, coated in brilliant gold, reflects light intensely, offering a striking contrast to the detailed outer work. Engraved on the inner base is the following Latin inscription:

"ESTO PROPIA MIHI PECCATORI. DEIPARAE VIRGINI PECCATORUM ADVOCATAE. G.S.D.C. ANNO S. 1836."

which translates as:

"Be propitious to me, a sinner. To the Virgin Mother of God, advocate of sinners. G.S.D.C. Holy Year 1836."

The paten, also in gilt silver, features a beautiful central engraving of the IHS monogram on a smooth and well-preserved surface. Surrounding this is a finely engraved crown of thorns, symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Beneath the monogram, a flaming heart is clearly visible, pierced by a cross, an allusion to the Sacred Heart. The central iconography is sharply engraved and filled with spiritual symbolism. The paten is also in very good condition, without deformations and with a uniform gilding.

A piece of exceptional quality and spiritual significance, this chalice and paten set is ideal for collectors of sacred art or for a priest or seminarian seeking a historic vessel for Eucharistic celebration. Its commanding presence and rich symbolism make it perfect for reintroduction into the Church, for use in a parish, or as a highlight in a religious art museum. A rare opportunity to acquire a signed historical chalice with all original elements, notable weight, and liturgical stature.

Don't miss this chance to own a religious artwork of significant symbolic, historical, and artistic value.

Measurements: Chalice: 29.8 x 14.8 x 9 cm (11.73 x 5.83 x 3.54 in). Weight: 630 grms. Paten: Ø 16.5 cm (6.5 in). Weight: 121 grms. Toatl weight: 751 g.

History of Montagny

Jean-Pierre Montagny (1789–1862) was a renowned French engraver and medallist of the 19th century. He worked for much of his career at the Monnaie de Paris, where he created numerous commemorative and religious medals known for their artistic and technical quality. Montagny was celebrated for his ability to depict historical and religious themes with high levels of detail and expressiveness, becoming one of the most respected medallists of his era. His signature on medallions and religious items such as this chalice confirms both its authenticity and collectible value.

Montagny’s career coincided with a period of strong religious and artistic revival in France, marked by the reappreciation of Christian symbolism and the reintroduction of classical styles such as late Baroque and Neoclassicism, often combined in liturgical art. Works signed by Montagny, particularly those of religious subject matter, are today highly sought after by collectors and museums. His technical mastery, combined with profound iconographic understanding, makes his works true masterpieces of devotional goldsmithing.

The inclusion of his medallions in this chalice links it directly to the finest French sacred art and to a golden period of liturgical silverwork, when objects of worship were conceived as instruments of both beauty and devotion. Montagny did not only engrave individual medals, but also contributed to ambitious decorative projects like this one, where his signature stands as a testament to collaboration between artists and craftsmen in service of faith and art.