Chalice
Unknown Artist
c. 1450–1480
Medium
gilt silver and filigree enamel
Dimensions
h. 24.6 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1990.3.1
About this artwork
The chalice and paten—the most important liturgical vessels—are used at the altar by the priest for the consecration of the Eucharistic bread and wine during the celebration of the mass. This chalice survives with its original paten. The form of the chalice evolved over the centuries. Gothic chalices, like this one, gradually developed angular or faceted knops, generally hexagonal, with lobed feet. This sublime example is decorated with filigree enamel consisting of twisted gold wire forming a f...