CHALICE

Made by: Unknown (Silversmith)

On view in: Icon Room

About this object

The large spreading base is decorated with an all over pattern of rococo scrolls and set with six irregular shaped cartouches with scenes in niello on silver with a stippled and gilt background. The scenes in the cartouches are: 1. Gethsemene, 2. Christ before Pilate, 3. the crowning with thorns and 4. Christ on the way to Calvary. In several instances Christ is inscribed: [transcription]. The central knop is three sided with a very elaborate rococo cartouche on each side, partly in silver and partly gilt. On the cup itself is in parcel gilt with an openwork trellis effect in silver to contrast with the gilding. There are four irregular cartouches set in elaborate rococo frames. The cartouches are in niello on silver with stippled and gilt background. The scenes are: 1. the Crucifixion, 2. the Mother of God on a cloud inscribed: [transcription], 3. Christ standing on a cloud inscribed: [transcription] and [no information on record] 4. St. John the Baptist standing on a cloud and inscribed: [transcription]. Around the upper lip of the chalice runs the inscription: [transcription]. On the lip of the chalice there are three marks, 1. the St. George and the Dragon for Moscow, 2. [transcription], 3. H M. These are repeated on the fretwork covering the bowl of the chalice and also on the base.

Object name:

CHALICE

Made from:

Silver -- parcel gilt -- niello

Made in:

Moscow, Russia

Date made:

1774

Size:

36.5 x 23.5 cm (14 3/8 x 9 1/4 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

12.83

Class:

SILVER

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973