Chalice

Currently not on view

Chalice

c. 1870

Thomas-Joseph Armand-Calliat (French, 1822–1901)

One of two principal manufacturers of ecclesiastical metalwork in mid- to late-nineteenth-century France, Armand-Calliat is noted for decorating each piece with images directly related to its function. This chalice, for example, was to be used in the Christian ritual of the sacrament, which commemorates the sacrifice of Christ. The vessel's ornamentation clearly reflects this purpose: on the four large lobes of the base are scenes of the sacrifices of Abraham, Melchizedek, Enoch, and Abel. Four corresponding panels on the bowl show scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Chalice

Date:

c. 1870

Artist:

Thomas-Joseph Armand-Calliat (French, 1822–1901)

Medium:

Gilded silver with enamel decoration

Dimensions:

10 1/2 x 7 inches (26.7 x 17.8 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1991

Accession Number:

1991-9-1

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

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Currently not on view