Chalice

Date: ca. 1230–50

Geography: Made in probably Freiburg im Breisgau, Upper Rhineland, Germany

Culture: German

Medium: Silver, gilded silver, niello, and jewels

Dimensions: Overall: 8 x 6 7/8 in. (20.3 x 17.5 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Silver

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1947

Accession Number: 47.101.26

Description

This chalice is one of an ensemble containing some of the elements needed for the celebration of the Eucharist: the paten for the bread (acc. no. 47.101.27), the chalice to hold the wine, and, exceptionally, a straw to sip the wine (acc. no. 47.101.28). The decoration of this chalice juxtaposes scenes from the life of Christ with those of Old Testament events that were considered to prefigure the New. The twelve apostles encircle the bowl of the chalice. The representation of Saint Trudpert on the paten indicates that the ensemble was made for the monastery dedicated to him near Freiburg im Breisgau, where he was martyred.

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